One of my favorite animated movies – yes, I said animated – is Disney/Pixar’s “Cars”. Its soundtrack includes a great song by Rascal Flatts called “Life is a Highway”. Whenever I hear the song it reminds me that we’re all traveling on a highway every single day, whether we like it or not. And as life continues to pass by, seemingly at increasing speeds, I’m becoming more and more aware of how quickly the scenery is changing.
In one short week from now, my wife and I will experience the pleasure (we think!) of our oldest child turning sixteen. It was only yesterday we were taking him home from the hospital. We blinked and now he’s a sophomore in high-school. The time has passed so quickly it’s almost frightening. At the very least, it forces us to take stock of how well we’ve spent our time over the last decade and a half.
Recently, as I was wondering where these last sixteen years had gone, I read a passage of Scripture that caused me to stop and think about how quickly our time on this earth passes, and more importantly, about how we spend it.
In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul pens this thought provoking passage. “I…beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling…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.”
If our mission in life is to live worthy of our calling, we must understand what that calling is…what purpose God has called us to fulfill. Scripture sums it up for us pretty simply. Love God. Serve each other. Reach the lost. That’s why we’re here.
We hear a lot in church about loving God, and we’re constantly reminded to “be Jesus” to people we meet, but how often are our thoughts directed toward serving those closest to us? We must remember that old phrase, “charity begins at home.” God is serious when He calls us to serve – and He expects us to start at home. It’s one of His rules. And though most of us don’t like rules, based on the words of Paul in Ephesians, here’s four “rules” for experiencing rewarding, family relationships.
First, we must be humble and gentle in dealing with each other. The Bible tells us “God gives grace to the humble.” In other words, His strength is available for those who are willing to admit their weaknesses.
Second, we’re to accept each other with God’s love because, simply, He accepts us. Again, the Bible says “love covers a multitude of sins.”
Next, we’re always to be patient and make room for each other’s imperfections. Proverbs 16:32 tells us it’s “better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”
Finally, we’re encouraged to allow unity and peace to hold our families together. God tells us that if we “discipline (our) children…they will give (us) peace of mind and will make (our) heart glad.” But He also balances our focus with the words of Philippians 4. “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
As we ride along on this highway of life, let’s be sure to make the most of our journey. The scenery is constantly changing, so don’t blink too often!