Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Family”
Our Bible verse for today: “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Our thought for today: “We learn from each other.”
In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the Apostle Paul was writing to the believers in the church in Corinth and in this passage he urged them to imitate his example, because he himself was imitating the example set for him by Christ. In other words, Paul was modeling Christ-like conduct for them, and by observing him they could learn how to live more Christ-like lives of their own.
This is an important function of church life. When we’re fully involved in the life of a good church family we will be around other Christians who will impress and inspire us with their Christ-like conduct. That then will have a positive impact on us. It’s that old truth about human nature that “we become like those we associate with.”
Not only does that kind of good association have a positive and transformative impact on us, but it also gets passed down through the generations. I recently read an article in the current edition of the magazine “Christianity Today”, which stressed this very point. The author wrote about the godly women she had known over the years and the impact they had her life – but also how that influence was then passed on from her to her own daughters, and then on to her grandchildren. That kind of influence can be generational.
The other night I came across the story of a man by the name of James Taylor, who lived in a little village in England in the late 1700s. James was a mean drunk who despised Christians and mocked preachers. But then the Holy Spirit got hold of him and James came to faith in Christ – with a passion. He adopted Joshua 24:15 as his life verse, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”
James’ passion and commitment were so great, and so infectious, that his enthusiasm for the faith was passed on to his son, and grandson, and then on to the great-grandson. That great-grandson became the famous missionary to China, Hudson Taylor. Hudson then passed the faith on to his own son, and grandson, and great-grandson, each of whom also became missionary leaders. That family is now into the seventh generation (over 200 years), of family members serving as missionaries and the chain of enthusiastic Christian faith and passionate service to Christ remains unbroken.
That’s what generational influence looks like and it happens within traditional family units as well as within church families. When you’re deeply and fully involved in the life of a good church family not only do you get to see and learn from the example of others, but others get to see and learn from you. And the influence becomes generational.
If you’re part of a good church family you are missing out; and others are also missing out because you’re not there. There’s a great hymn we sing in our churches that was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. It’s called “The Family of God”:
“I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The family of God.”
I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 