Pastoral Letter (Feb 9)
Dear COAH,
In this letter I want to encourage everyone to participate in family worship at home. I know that we live in very busy environments where people, responsibilities and commitments can take up our time and often make us feel overwhelmed, especially those with children at home. Most Christians that are familiar with family worship would affirm that this practice is worthwhile, if we can make the time for it. But I would emphasise that family worship (with family or if living alone, by yourself) is not only worthwhile, but essential in our following and love of Christ amidst our overwhelming schedules. It is essential because it centers the family/home on God and it helps us on the journey to present ourselves and others mature in Christ.
In Deuteronomy 6, the people of Israel were about to enter the promised land and before entering, they were reminded and commanded to love God fully. How? By centering their family and home on God’s word. They were called to impress God’s word on their children and household at all times. This was commanded so that as they entered the promised land there would be no wealth, distraction or idolatry that would take the “centre stage” of the household, which was reserved for God alone. This was their act of love towards God, which would spread out and shape every word and action in their lives. The Israelites were called to love God fully and so are we. In order to love God, we must make the time to impress God’s word on our families and ourselves, so that God and nothing else can take the “centre stage” of our household. This will not be easy, and just as the apostle Paul “toiled” with the strength that Christ gave him to see people mature in Christ, so must we (Col. 1:28-29).
If we have had difficulties in loving God this way, we must first ask for forgiveness. Next, as part of our repentance and love for God, start family worship once a week. Once this has become routine, you can add another day and so on.
Family worship can be done in a variety of ways. For my wife and I, we spend time reading the yearly bible app followed by discussion and prayer. Other families may sing to worship songs (families with young ones can sing to children worship songs with actions), read the bible and have discussions. During your discussions there are three questions you can ask: What is the text talking about? What is its importance? How does the passage shape my view of Christ and how we live? You and your family can adjust on how it is done.
COAH, I want to encourage you all to place God in the “centre stage” of your households by participating in family worship at home. May we love God by impressing His word on our lives and “toiling” with God’s strength to mature in Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Edgar