Everyone likes to think they are part of at least one exclusive club. Friends form a network that is comfortable and protective. Work colleagues spend time together after work building on their common bonds. Couples limit their time to people that fit within their comfort, safety, and interest zones. Families are odd creatures; a painful bond that often works because it just is, rather than because anyone formally chooses another.
What happens when friends do not choose to continue to be part of their club? Do work colleagues always get along? Going further, think about family ties! What happens when one or more opt out?
The questions become more and more puzzling as one looks at groups where there are no monetary entry requirements. Some members try to establish barriers; one must behave a certain way, do special things, or be of a special pedigree. Other members want to include any and every warm body. No requirements to get in or stay, just say you are and things will happen.
God’s family is and continues to be a mystery to most people. The original members, Jews, would like people to believe that it is an exclusive club with hard entry requirements, rules and regulations. The newer family, Christians, use different words but try to accomplish the same thing, especially through jargon and special language. Since it is God is the parent of this family, one might want to understand what His view really is!
The fact is that “when they [Jews] walked out, they left the door open and the outsiders [you and I] walked in.” (Romans 11.11) There is an opening in this club for everyone, but there is one catch – you are in automatically, but you can opt out. The mystery is how the door in continues to be open no matter how many times one opts out.
Sometimes we are members of clubs just because. God invites you and I to experience Him. At times family are dysfunctional, but the head of this family is the reason things work. Your place is reserved.
