FAMILY MATTERS (4)                                                 John 6:41-51

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (v44)

Coming home from a bar late one night a young man got on a bus where he encountered his self-righteous aunt. Caustically she said, “Do you know you’re headed straight to hell? “Oh dear,” he said, “Don’t tell me I’m on the wrong bus tonight again.” Seriously, we all want our families to share our faith, but it can’t be forced. Jesus said, “You’re not in charge… The Father… draws people…  that’s the only way (they’ll ever come” (John 8:44 TM)  Does that mean you should stop praying for them? Of course not. But despite your prayers and best efforts there may still be family members who decide not to follow Jesus, and some of those who do may join other denominations. Throughout history countless wars have been fought over religion, don’t turn your home into a combat zone as well. As former French First Lady Yvonne De Gaulle once said, “Even the presidency is temporary, but family is permanent.” You didn’t have to condole somebody’s lifestyle in order to let them know you love them and are committed to them. But don’t withhold acceptance from those who’ve been good to you just because they don’t worship God the way you do. Maybe they haven’t always made the wisest choices, but when the chips are down, chances are, they are the ones who’ll be there for you. Don’t beat them over the head with the Bible, just live it by setting an example they’ll want to follow. Jesus said, “If I am lifted up… I will draw all people” (John 12:32 NCV) Instead of tearing your family apart, make your faith the glue that hold’s it together (TWFT)

PRAYER LINE: Father, please make my children and others see Christ in me and make my family faithful to You.

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Make faith the glue that holds your family together.