Before the days of caller ID, many of my phone conversations began something like this:
Phone: “Ring, ring.”
Me: “Hello.”
Voice: “Hi, Sis!”
Me: “Hi!” My greeting was often followed by several seconds of silence while I desperately tried to determine which of my three brothers was calling. Should I choose the wrong name, much teasing would follow.
My sibling’s voices sound remarkedly similar, particularly over the phone. The shared DNA that formed their voices is undeniable.
Genetics
While the four of us each possess unique attributes, our common genetics reveal themselves in our many similarities. Sometimes, it’s a habit or mannerism; other times, it’s a facial expression or personality trait that weaves its way through our lives and tells the world we are related. Our family ties are apparent in how we look, walk, speak, and think. We are family, and it shows.
Family of God
This week, my church hosted an event. I smiled big as I saw the family of God working together to prepare the building, welcome guests, assist with parking, work the sound booth, and help the elderly to the door. The actions of my brothers and sisters in Christ were warm and familiar. Their particular manner of lovingly interacting with others is regularly demonstrated in their day-to-day lives.
How does the world know we are part of the family of God? The first thing to come to my mind is how we show love. Jesus instructed us to love one another:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (emphasis mine)
Paul shared several characteristics he called the “fruit of the Spirit.” I think they are beautiful traits found in God’s children.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.…” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV (emphasis mine)
Christians carry God’s genetic markers. How we act and interact with others should remind them of Jesus and be a sign that we are part of God’s family. The world should hear a similarity to His voice when we speak. Our actions should mirror those of our Savior. The family resemblance should be undeniable.
Family Traits
My biological family is not perfect; neither is my church family. Oh my, no, we certainly are not. But as part of God’s family, we receive grace upon grace from our loving Father God. We extend grace and forgiveness to others. Our faith in Jesus Christ, our love for God, and our love for others dominate the patterns of our lives.
God gave us varying gifts, talents, and personalities. We may not be similar in build, height, facial features, skin tone, or eye and hair color. However, the family resemblance is beyond doubt. We are God’s family, and it must show.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (emphasis mine)
I pray these traits are part of our everyday lives and as evident to others as the similarity of my brother’s voices is to me. May our every action and reaction reflect the beautiful thread of DNA that identifies us as part of the family of God.
With thanksgiving and love,
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
