I’ve always heard that you can judge a tree by its fruit. That’s a very true concept. Likewise, we can discern people’s internal life largely from observing their fruit…but which fruit? I believe that for far too long we would observe the fruit of ministry and their affect on others, all the while neglecting to observe a person’s familial fruit. Their first fruit, if you will.
Our life’s fruit should first be shown in our own hearts, and then our family.
As a child I noticed that every single person in church ministry seemed to neglect their family. Ministry first, family last. That was a very common theme. It was as if people were signaling that family wasn’t as important.
In scripture we see that is absolutely not true. God created family, and with great intention. When we see family neglected, we always see bad fruit. Even in the lives we read about in scripture.
Look at Absolom. Consider Ishmael. Think of Joseph’s brothers. Eli’s sons.
We pay a high price when we neglect the first fruit of our lives…family.
If a person’s desire to minister in public outweighs their willingness to minister within their own home, then I can’t trust them. It’s truly become that simple for me.
God’s heart is for family.
I think I’m discovering that I’m fed up with celebrity culture, both in Hollywood and in the church. Even our local churches are wrought with small town celebrities who are to be preferred over the voice of God in our own lives. And who are valued because they cater to the flock…not by example, but by word. I can’t abide by it any longer. I can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. I can’t act like it’s not a problem.
It is.
Look to the family life of the leaders in your life. Don’t seek perfection from them but look for devotion. My kids aren’t perfect, but they are cared for by me. I choose them over others. That’s what I’m talking about. I refuse to do any ministry outside of my home before I first do it inside my home. That’s become my standard. Is it inconvenient sometimes? Yes. Is it beneficial all the time? Yes.
God
Family
Others
Won’t you join me in the revolution? The revolution of family is the most important revolution of our time. With the re-emergence of family, we can solve so many other problems. It’s one of the most worthwhile things we’ll do.
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is over all, in all, and living through all. Ephesians 4:1-6
365 Days in the Presence 