FAMILY VACATIONS AND THE CHURCH FAMILY, Part Two

In my previous blog post (July 25, FAMILY VACATIONS AND THE CHURCH FAMILY) I concluded with the following thought: “If the church functioned more like a family vacation, there would be a greater focus on the ‘common good’” The quickest way to ruin a good family vacation is for someone to become demanding. Everything has to be the way they want it. If they don’t get to decide the next meal, dictate the daily activities and pretty much call all the shots, they get in a snit. For those from the Southern USA, I think they call this “pitchin’ a fit.” Family vacations are great experiences when everyone is committed to the “common good.” When someone is selfish, stubborn and has a stinkin’ attitude, it can ruin things fast. Pretty much everything above can also describe what happens in a church family when someone ceases to seek the “common good” or what’s best for the whole. 

While these two words, common and good, only show up once in the NIV, the concept is communicated in several places and translations.  “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7 NIV) The context from which Paul is writing is a Corinthian church which was being decimated and divided by SELFISHNESS: From how the church members were approaching the Lord’s Table, see chapter 11, to how the gifts of the Holy Spirit were being expressed in their gatherings, see chapters 12 & 14. 

“Common good” is also found in the Bible in Basic English:

 “What is it then, my brothers? when you come together everyone has a holy song, or a revelation, or a tongue, or is giving the sense of it. Let everything be done for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 14:26) The issue Paul was addressing here was disorderly worship gatherings. Things had gotten so bad in the Corinthian church Paul said in (1 Corinthians 11:17) “Your meetings do more harm than good.” What was the cause of all the problems in Corinth? It was all about the nasty “S” word: SELFISHNESS. Selfishness, in regards to their love feast (a fellowship meal where they broke bread and shared a cup to remember Christ), and in how they approached spiritual gifts.

If family members would approach vacation committed to the “common good”, which includes being other-centered rather than self-centered, everyone would have a much better time. If Romans 12:10 were actually put into practice, it would change family vacations: “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” (NLT) The New American Standard expresses the last part of the verse this way: “…give preference to one another in honor.”

As you and your family head out on vacation this summer, make the best of it by focusing on fun and the “common good.” Build memories which will last a lifetime. Coming off a great vacation with Anita and our three daughters, I can tell you it works. As you connect with your church family, whether in a worship/Word gathering or just hanging out with friends, try this same focus and I think everyone will have a much better time.