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Education Ministry

Posted on September 24, 2003 ...

Think about your interests. Most likely, many of them either originated or have been influenced by your family. As a child, living in the home of my parents, I inherited many of the interests of my family: A fondness for mountains, a preference for winter, an affinity for nostalgia, and a Christian heritage. Specifically, from my mother, I acquired a taste for popcorn and an enjoyment of movies. From my father, an interest in astronomy and the propensity for tinkering. And from my sister, a love of music. While I have developed many other interests in my adult years, who I am today is a direct result of my family’s influence. Still, after all these years, our conversations revisit many of our shared interests and we are still contributing to the flavor of each other’s lives.

Now that I have a family of my own, I have noticed this trend repeating itself with my children. As we spend time together, Tammi, Erik, Shea, and myself are creating a new family personality – composed of components from my family, Tammi’s family, as well as elements of our own making. We are laying another foundation that will forever influence and flavor the lives of our children and eventually their families. Such thoughts weigh heavy when I consider our lasting influence on future generations.

As we turn our attention to our church family, we should expect to find the same principle at work. After all, there is a biblical precedent. Acts 2:44 offers an interesting commentary on the first century church: “And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” The Apostle Paul later implored the church in Philippi writing, “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Those early Christians were together, creating a common experience.

Now I do not suppose the intent of these passages is a common preference of food or entertainment or hobbies. Of course, they are speaking of spiritual compatibility and purpose. However, I do not think it is off the mark to suggest that food and entertainment and various interests are part of the package; for these common things can set the stage for an encounter with the deeper things of the spirit. How many times has a discussion of movies or books or personal interest lead to a deeper conversation about matters of the heart? Jesus Himself used the common things of His day to illustrate heavenly truths. If we truly are members of the same spiritual family, it makes sense that we should develop common interests in a variety of areas. I invite you to put this notion to the test. Invite one of your fellow Christians to lunch or dinner. Talk and listen and discover some common interest of which you were unaware. Then let the Holy Spirit take that interest and use it to strengthen your bond. In the immortal word of Fat Albert, “If you’re not careful, you might learn something.”