Family Ties

Yesterday, there was an article in the paper about a Culpeper family who recently competed in a tennis tournament together. The family has become well-known around our community as lovers of the game of tennis. When you see them in the grocery store or in the post office, it's natural to think of tennis.

Growing up, my family enjoyed something similar with the sport of long-distance running. Both my parents ran, my sister ran and I ran. During my Jr high, high school and college years, there were numerous newspaper articles that featured my family and the success we experienced in our sport. When you saw one of the Dameron's, it was natural for you to think of the sport of running.

In chapter 8 of the Gospel of John, Jesus has a conversation with the religious leaders about family ties. The Jews claimed their salvation based on their ancestry to Abraham. But Jesus took it a step further.

"Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the things your own father does."
"We are not illegitimate children,
they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
John 8:39-41 NIV

Jesus emphasizes the connection between our ancestry and our behavior which reveals it. He's telling them that people should recognize them based on their actions and attitudes reflecting their parents' values. Jesus goes on to tell them that they are the children of the devil because they want to carry out their father's desire.

When we read this story, we need to consider whose children we are. We're not just children of our earthly parents, but we're also children of our Father in heaven.

Does my daily routine reflect my Father's transformational power?

Does my attitude reflect my Father's love and grace?

Do my behavior and words reflect my Father's righteousness and holiness?

We need to make sure that when people see us in the grocery store, the post office and everywhere we go, they know we're connected to God. May all the glory be to our eternal Father in heaven!