Citizens and Family

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord." 
-Ephesians 2:19-21 (NASB)

This school year started like many others, with nearly 100 new 8th grade students rotating through my classroom in the course of the day.  For the most part, these students enter my room as strangers, but I make every effort to be welcoming and to offer them a foundation on which future lessons can be built.  As my colleagues and I explain to our students, our team of teachers and students will become like a family as we work together over the course of 181 school days.

Paul reminds us that we experience a similar welcome and family building experience with God.  We begin as strangers, but are welcomed by a loving and supporting God.  Through our belief, we can join God's family as it is built on His Word, His Son, and the believers that came before us.  However, we have more than 181 days, we have eternity with God!  

Build on the cornerstone of Jesus to join the saints as fellow citizens and become part of God's family!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for allowing me to be part of Your family.  Help me to continue to build Your family and Your Kingdom by showing Your love to all those around me.  Through Jesus I pray, amen.