My Family?

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” Luke 8:16-18

It just doesn't make sense, believer, to receive Jesus' light (salvation) and try to keep it hidden. There can be no growth or production that way, no sharing of the truth of the gospel with those who are living in darkness. The light is meant to illuminate the soul, to penetrate the darkness of the world. The grace we are given is to be multiplied and fill the earth with God's love. Raised high, our light serves as a beacon of hope to those who are lost, seeking, wandering the world in search of meaning and purpose. If you are a child of God, you really can't hide it forever. You will be outed at some point, and your secrecy will bring shame for your negligence of Bible Doctrine; your lack of appreciation for the price Jesus has paid for your salvation. There can never be any contentment as a cowardly, selfish prodigal. What you have squandered will cost you the little discernment you may have started out with. Use it or lose it. Not your salvation; that does not depend on you, but your assurance, confidence and peace of mind in grace thinking and doctrinal orientation, maintained only by daily fellowship with God, prayer and advancing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is never too late, though, as long as you're breathing. You can pick up the harness at any time, and move forward with the Holy Spirit as your mentor. As you learn and grow, doctrine will be added to doctrine; faith will be added to faith. When we apply what we have learned, doors are opened to more knowledge and greater understanding of God.

Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Luke 8:19-21

The crowds were pressing, clamoring to see, hear and touch Jesus. He had been away from His mother's house for a long while. Mary and her sons were hearing stories; some truth, some gossip, about the astounding deeds of the firstborn. Mary needed to see for herself, and try to influence Him to come home and rest awhile. Eat. Sleep. Refresh. Maybe He'd lost His mind, from so much work and such frenzied attention (Mark 3:20-21). They couldn't get through the crush of bodies to speak with Him, so sent someone to fetch Him. His answer was classic. His mother and brothers are those who belong to the family of God. He was not disdaining His earthly family, but stressing the importance of the spiritual brotherhood of believers. Jesus' work was more important at this stage of His incarnation than the natural family connections. He wouldn't walk away from it. His brothers up to this time remained unbelievers, so they could not comprehend the necessity of His work. The people who believed in Him did comprehend, through the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit, that His work was more important than anything else in His life. The salvation of mankind hung in the balance. Fulfillment of the Father's plan was His mission. The time was growing short. Mary, did you know? Yeah, I think she knew.