Family, through marriage, was the first instituted social structure ordained by God at creation.

He created Adam and Eve to bear His image and gave them the orders to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28). You could say that the family has been under attack ever since the first temptation and sin, which caused both Adam and Eve to cast blame for their disobedience rather than confessing and taking responsibility.

It is safe to say that the family is a big deal to God.

Many of the world’s economic and social problems are a result of the breakdown of the family unit.

As Jesus told the story of the prodigal son, even though he left with his inheritance and wasted it, yet he never stopped being his father’s son who patiently waited for him to return home, to his family (Luke 15:20).

We need only to see how this son was treated by the father to see exactly how our Father in heaven must feel when one gains salvation by realizing what He has done for them, through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

This also gives us a glimpse of how God must feel whenever one returns after leaving the family, or church, which is the bride of Christ.

Our congregation begins most services by singing the song “The Family of God” to remind us that we are bound as brothers and sisters in Christ, through the adoption God arranged when He opened up salvation to whosoever shall call upon Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:9-13; Gal. 4:5). Jesus Himself stated to those who informed Him that His mother and brothers were waiting for Him outside where He was teaching, “For whoever does the will of God is my brother and My sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).

Jesus’ words alone should be enough to convince us that He cherishes the bond between those who are willing to submit to the Father’s will and obey His revealed will for our lives.

Like the prodigal, there will be those who leave the family of God or church. We should always be found eagerly awaiting, with open arms for them to return. Just like the father acted to his son who had lost his way and then only once his choices led him to a state of despair, he realized what he had done.

Are you part of God’s family? If not, come home.

Rev. Todd Childers is pastor of Emmanuel Bible Church in Keysville. His email address is emmanuelbible.church@yahoo.com.