Do you like being a part of something? Sure you do.
I see our youth at school embracing and/or yearning to be a part of “something”.
I see many young adults adventuring off to the world of college now and vying for and delighting in being part of a sorority or fraternity.
When this “season of football” rolls around, the fans display pride in the team they are cheering on by joining in on wearing their team colors.
Many times what we desire to be a part of is good for us because it builds relationships and fills our inner self with the sense of belonging. But then, there are those times when what we desire to be a part of is bad for us for those same reasons.
Working in the middle school world, I see that sense of longing to be a part of something daily. (Ugh…my mind just raced with all those kids who have sadly chosen to be a part of something that is not good for them. And I also can vision those poor babies who so long to be included but because of what they do or how they look just don’t get included. Those “Outsiders”. This scene has been around for ages and my heart goes out to the “underdogs”. This is a whole other devotional on it’s on for another time.)
This desire to be a part of something arises in and through each generation. But choose wisely my friend.
I’m a part of something that you can be a part of as well. It doesn’t matter what your race, social status, or economic background is. The President of this association doesn’t even care what you’ve done in your past or what you are a part of at this very moment. He wants you, just as you are! Even though you may be waiting on someone to invite you in, you don’t have to. Actually YOU are the one who has to do the “inviting”.
When I read Ephesians 2:19 this morning, I felt that sense of belonging. It says, “So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” I am a part of God’s family.
This is one of those “good for us” groups because it builds relationships and fills our inner self with the sense of belonging in the way that is truly satisfying. Psalm 145:16, “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” This verse isn’t talking about finding satisfaction in just anyone or anything. It’s talking about God doing the satisfying.
Oh my…do you want to know about what type of leader God is for this family? Whether you are a part of God’s family or not, go ahead and read all of Psalm 145 . You will be so grateful to be a part of His family.
I mentioned that YOU are the one who has to do the “inviting”. In order to be a part of God’s family you must invite Christ into your heart.
Listen, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). Yes, everyone has sinned. But, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) In John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” It’s not because you are a good person and do great things that gets you to Heaven. It’s not your religion or church traditions that save you. It’s ONLY through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that you will be saved and securing your place with Him.
So let me ask you again, “Do you like being a part of something?” Sure you do. Be a part of God’s family.
I pray God’s abundant love and blessings for y’all.
I couldn’t help but share all of Ephesians 2 with you. Click, read, and be satisfied!
