I heard a great message from Pastor Rock Callahan yesterday and want to share some of it with you. Luke recounts the story of the Pharisees grumbling about Jesus’  failure to ceremonially wash before eating. Jesus answered that they are focused on the outside of the cup, while the inside is neglected, dirty, and hidden. We major on the minors sometimes, don’t we? We put labels like republican/democrat, vegetarian/meat eater, cool/dorky…and use them to decide who is in and who is out.

It’s not about calling each other OUT – it’s about calling each other IN. Dallas Willard said, “Spirituality misunderstood or wrongly pursued is a major source of misery and rebellion against God.” How does your family operate?

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27   That’s it. It’s just that short and simple. Love God. Love People. It was Jesus’ creed and mission.

Do you remember the movie Princess Bride? Wesley’s response to Buttercup’s every request was, “As you wish.” He only wanted to please and honor her. There is no greater expression of love than a freely submitted will.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John14:34,35

He loved us first – in service, sacrificially, and unconditionally.

Call your family IN this summer. Spend some wonderful, quality time together and learn together to love each other and spread it out into your community and world. Family Night by the Book is an excellent and fun resource to do just that. We have designed each lesson to focus on a biblical principal and godly character trait. Call God IN. Begin today.

Blessings,

Beth and Dr. Ron