If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. —1 John 1:7
Over the years, I have been a part of several members-only clubs: trade associations, the Rotary Club in two states, three first-class airline lounges, and a couple of country clubs.
I know this is admitting to something ugly, but I sort of like to be a part of things that others aren’t a part of. I like exclusivity. I secretly smile when others walk by, wishing they were in my club but knowing they’re not.
Some consider the Christian faith a sort of exclusive, extraterrestrial society of people. Even the thing that binds believers together in their steepled clubhouses is called “membership.” Inexperienced visitors sometimes feel alienated by unfamiliar rituals, music, and passing offering plates (the biblical equivalent to secret hand- shakes and club dues).
Those who feel this way are in for a surprise. God’s family is not a club. It’s not a place for exclusivity and secret passwords, covert codes, or elitist creeds. God’s family is not a place where grace is afforded the worthy and punishment is meted out to the inadequate. God’s family is not for those who revel in the warmth of their own safety and gloat at the plight of the lost.
God’s family is a place where people become lifetime members by believing in Jesus and following one simple doctrine: “God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him” (v. 5). Then members exercise their rights and privileges by walking in God’s light. When we walk in the integrity and transparency of His light, we have “fellowship with one another” (v. 7)—regardless of who “one another” is.
Our membership in God’s family is open and nonexclusive. Any misguided arro- gance we may feel over being included in this incredible company of people is not based on our merit but on the mercy of our Savior.
And speaking of family, there’s another association you and I hold lifetime mem- berships to—our own families. “Yes, but aren’t we born into these clans?” you might be rightfully asking. Yes, but adoption is also this fraternity’s right.
One of the most challenging tasks you have as a dad is to monitor the friendships your children forge as they are growing up. You know from your own experience how influential these outsiders are at shaping their convictions and activities.
Make sure your kids’ friends don’t think your house is an exclusive club. Tell your children they are always welcome to bring their friends home. As often as you can, meet these children. If possible, spend time getting to know them. Ask them good questions in the presence of your own child. Let your kids peek into the character of these friends. Always do your best to make your home a place where God’s love is present and visible. Yours may be the only loving Christian home some children ever see.
In 1958, an eight-year-old girl walked across the street and visited a Christian home that might as well have had an “Everyone Welcome” sign out front. She listened carefully as this family spoke kindly to one another, tenderly cared for one another, and expressed their love for her and their faith in Jesus.
Twelve years later, this little girl became my first wife, Bobbie. I thank God for Christian families that aren’t exclusive clubs. I am eternally grateful for homes with their doors wide open. Yours should be like this, too.