Mid-October signals the time for me. What time you might ask? The time for the holidays. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Not because of the feast that many hands prepare, but rather for the time together as family. It is a time when we are able to place our busy lives on the “back burner” for a while and simply enjoy one another’s company. For the Green family we usually alternate each year which side of the family we spend the holiday with. With extended family now it becomes a little bit harder but everyone works so hard to arrange it so we can spend quality time together.

Family is so important. Before I was married I thought that I could easily live the lifestyle of a recluse. I wouldn’t have any interaction with anyone, it would just be me, my dog (maybe) and the big West Texas sky. Wow talk about perfection.

Thank God I came to my senses when my lovely wife asked for my hand in marriage. Ok, yes I begged her to marry me. The point is that God never intended man or woman to be alone, to be a recluse. His intent was for family (Gen.2:23-24; 4:1-2). While this is a worthy topic, (I.e. family, marriage, children etc.) it is not the family I want to discuss in this writing. What I want to talk about is our spiritual family, our brothers and sisters in Christ. The apostle Paul had some things to say about this; look at Philemon verses 1-7 specifically.

 Philemon 1-7  Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, (2)  and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: (3)  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (4)  I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers, (5) hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; (6)  that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ. (7)  For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

 Paul, in writing this letter, does not appear to be appealing to Philemon with the authority of an apostle, but rather as fellow-worker. In every other letter, that Paul writes he uses the term “an apostle” here it seems Paul is appealing to Philemon as close family. (See vs.4 “I thank God always,” vs.7 “I had much joy and comfort in your love,” vs.22 “prepare a lodging.”) This is a close relationship that Paul has with Philemon.

As brothers and sister in Christ today, can we, do we, consider each other as close our earthly blood family? It is vital to a growing body of Christ’s that we see each other in a different light. While we may be from different background, race and culture we were purchased with the blood of Christ. That makes us family – close family. We should never treat each other with indifference. We hurt with each other, we look forward with great anticipation for the time we can be together. If we understand this “blood purchased” relationship then we would never disobey the direct command from the Hebrews writer “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (He.10:24-25)

The term fellow-worker comes from a root word in the original language meaning “co-labor’” or a “companion in labor.”  Paul had history with his beloved Philemon. Philemon had opened his house, home to be a meeting place for the church (I.e. called out; ekklēsia). Paul mentions others in this short letter but of special note is the mention of Archippus. He is mentioned in Colossians as well and it appears he was a minister in the church where he was instructed to “fulfill the ministry.”  “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Col.4:17

While not mentioned specifically here in this letter the overtones ring loudly that Paul encouraged and admonished all those in the Lord to “fulfill the ministry.” Part of fulfilling that ministry is treating those in Christ as fellow heirs, not as aliens. I struggle sometimes when greeting my church family on the Lord’s Day. I see their face and think I know that person, however their name escapes me. I have decided that it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than to simply not acknowledge them. I have introduced myself to the same person at least twice in the same week. I simply apologize and try harder next time to remember their name. I never want to treat anyone as an alien in our time together as brothers and sisters. I’ve been there, I’ve experienced the awkward moment standing in a packed foyer and no one acknowledge me or speak to me. Shame on us if we do that. In fact we need to repent and from then forward do all we can to seek out those individuals or individual that is standing, alone, unapproached wanting someone to speak to them.

I will close with this; Paul frequently greeted his readers with this salutation. It is more than just a rote expression of greeting for with it carries the great promise given to us by God from the beginning. When God created man, he did so in His image. His favor (grace) was upon us from the beginning. His desire is that we would live a life full of rest, and comfort (peace). As blood purchased members of His body we must always seek to provide that comfort and rest to those of the family. There are no “black sheep” in the family as we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom.3:23). Let’s not alienate, choose sides, form cliques, or make snap judgments on our family of God. In all things let us shower one another with love (Rom.12:10)