It is God’s desire that all people be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). This includes, of course, members of our physical families – children, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, etc.
All of us have family members who are not walking with the Lord. It is one of the most heart-wrenching realities of life.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus’ own brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). Later though, they became true believers and dedicated servants (Acts 1:14). How did Jesus lead them to the truth?
Obviously, His example of living for God was a factor. Jesus did all things pleasing unto the Father (John 8:29). “He did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:21-23). Jesus’ brothers observed personally the
godliness of their own brother. Our example will never be perfect, as the Lord’s, but it is still very important. We are to be “an example to all the believers; in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (I Tim.4:12). In the
case of a Christian lady who has an unbelieving husband, the goal is, if he will not heed the gospel, that “he be won without a word by the conduct of the wife” (1 Peter 3:1-2). Being a Christian is professing to the world that we believe and follow the Savior one hundred percent. If we hold back in any respect, our family members will know this and the impact will not be good.
There was also present in the life of Jesus, the priority factor. Once, as Jesus was teaching in a house, someone told him his mother and brothers were outside desiring to speak with him. Jesus says, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my mother, my sisters and my brothers” (Matthew 12:46-50). It is crucial that family members know there is a higher calling than mere physical
existence, a higher calling than one’s own family. “A man’s life consists not in the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
Finally, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead had a most definite impact upon his brothers. We read in 1 Corinthians 15:7 that following his resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people, including James, one of his brothers. Some features of the resurrection include: the empty tomb, the credible eyewitnesses (Acts 2:32), the multiple appearances, and the continual religious teachings of baptism (Romans 6:3-4) and of New Testament worship. Why else do we meet upon the first day of the week? Let us not be ashamed to share this good news!
0 Comments