But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! (Matthew 12:48, 49 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Belong
I have joined a few odd clubs and groups over the years. I joined the Jane Daane Recess Walking Club, I joined the Grand Rapids Are Rock and Mineral Society. I joined the Non-Physical Olympic Society. I joined the Calvin College Psychology Department Club. I joined the Maryborough and Vicinity Creative Writing Club. I joined the Friends of the Outcast Australian Christian Bikers Association. I joined the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
I was not qualified for most of them.
I have tried to connect with famous sports stars, like Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers. I have tried to meet celebrities like Mr. Kincaid from the Partridge Family and William Shatner of Star Trek.
I have no reason to form any sort of relationship with any of them.
I have formed dangerous friendships. I have courted associations with people I share nothing in common with. I have accepted and sought Facebook friends for all the wrong reasons.
I have known better. I have understood my poor motivations. I have done these things anyway.
Why is this such an attractive slippery slope? Simply, I want to belong.
And when I feel like I do not belong, it is because I have forgotten where I DO belong.
I have a brother, you see, like no other. Jesus points at me, too, and makes me a part, so that I am never apart. The One who has bought me ensures that I am never just one.
There is only one filling for the donut hole in my heart. Jesus says I am with Him. Jesus says He is my family. Jesus says He will never leave me, forsake me, abandon me, get bored with me, refuse to forgive me, push me away from Him, or leave me alone.
Fear not, then belong