what’s a family for?

Our Pastor has been preaching through a series about the family for a few weeks now.  Dan titled the series “Family Secrets,” which made most of us on staff think “ooh, time to drag out the skeletons from the family closets!”  But in reality, Dan’s talking about the secrets to good, lasting, loving families.  Last week he talked about the Biblical purpose of the family, drawing from Ephesians 6, and backtracking into Ephesians 5.

Dan pointed out that families are good for a few key things:
a refuge from the storms of life
a place to play
a life-training school (discipleship)
gospel proclamation

It’s probably safe to say that good families incorporate those elements…

Our lifegroup divides into smaller groups for discussion each Wed (after s’mores on the deck with the best view of the valley ever and the most incredible sunset), and one group is digging in to how the past week’s sermon applies to our lives.  We had some great discussion around these themes tonight.  We also agreed that this is a lot easier in theory than in practice…but then again, what isn’t easier on paper?  It is good to have a target for us as families, an ideal, something to aim for and aspire to.  Kevin pointed out that intentionality and consistency are vital, and having a touchstone gives us a reference point.

Bruce asked a key question: for those without children (and there are many in our lifegroup who don’t have children) how does this apply?  It was interesting to hear their comments.  They’re finding ways to apply these principles to their lives–student ministry, lifegroup, peers, extended family…

I love my lifegroup.  They’re a solid bunch of goobers.  It is such a good experience to talk about the practical application of the word of God in our lives, to be able to speak freely abou the places we struggle, knowing that we’ll be prayed for and encouraged rather than judged.  We do our best to encourage each other and love each other.  I believe that’s called “community,” and I need it!

This whole sermon series has been exceptional.  If you want to listen to any of the sermons, here’s a link to the audio.  If you want to come check out our lifegroup, let me know.  I’ll even have our CSO (chief s’more officer) hook you up.

And I love my goofy family.