Family First

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:40-42) Italics mine

John the Baptist had just spoken the words, “Behold, the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world” while Andrew was near by. Being given the revelation that Jesus was the Christ Andrew had followed him. Notice that one of the first things Andrew did was to go and find his brother to tell him, “We have found the Messiah.”

One of the greatest responsibilities we have is to bring those closest to us-our family-to Jesus. Many a families have been “lost” in the name of Jesus. What I mean by that is this, so many times we do so many things in the name of Christ and yet we end up losing our own home. We cram our schedules with “religious” activity while neglecting our marriages. We spend hours counseling others while neglecting our own kids. I’ve known great preachers who have literally traveled the world but none of their kids are following Christ! God has given us both the blessing and responsibility to reach our homes for Christ first! What good would it be for me to reach the world for Christ and yet lose my own marriage or kids in the process?

Today, God has surrounded you with family. Father, are you bringing your wife and kids closer to Christ? Mother, do you reflect Christ in your home? Man of God, is what you are preaching in the pulpit backed by your lifestyle at home?

We need to do like Andrew did for Simon Peter (who became one of the greatest men of God to ever walk the face of the earth) and bring our family to Jesus!