Since my father was a career Air Force officer, we moved frequently when I was growing up. About once every two years. I never knew anything different as a child, so it seemed normal to me, but whenever non-military people found out, they would exclaim about how difficult it must have been having to make new friends every time we moved. Well, I never really found it difficult. As an introvert, I tended to have just a few good friends anyway, but I almost always found those few fairly quickly. For one thing, the schools I attended were filled with other military kids who were in the exact same situation as me. We all made friends quickly in our extended military family.
But the biggest reason I never minded moving was that we always found a church home as soon as possible. Church became our second home, and the members became our second family. No matter where in the world we lived, we always found kindred spirits in church. Musicians often find like minds among other musicians, but church musicians are even closer! Each new church we joined just added to our extended family.
So many verses in the Bible talk about Christians being part of one family. God’s family. Jesus’ family. Earthly families may have arguments and may get on each other’s nerves, but they are still part of you and, in many cases, are there for you when you need them. Just think, then, of what it means to be part of another family, linked not by genetics or law, but by the blood of Jesus – with a Brother and a Father who will never let you down. Being part of a Christian family is the ultimate encouragement.
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 2:11
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galations 6:10
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.
Ephesians 2:19
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12