I have just returned from a surprise birthday celebration for my cousin. 

To put all of you at ease, it was a huge success, and yes, she was totally caught off guard. 

While there were many . . . many of her friends there, I was focused on our family’s reaction: a family whose ages ranged from 2 to 92 at this particular event. 

Some family members had traveled miles and across states to be there, and international members joined by Zoom. The excitement was palpable even before the guest of honor arrived. We were so excited to be a part of both the surprise and the celebrating. And as you can see by the picture, the youngest members showered adoration on their grandmother and she bestowed unrestrained love on them. 


We are not a family that has not suffered hurts from each other: unkind words or inconsiderate actions and at times rejection. All families have to deal with such actions. But all of those indiscretions had been — if not forgotten — at least put aside, as the family joined together not only to celebrate the honoree but each other. Over the course of the party and subsequent family get together — the older took an interest in the younger members, to applaud their successes and offer encouragement for the future. And the younger listened to the older. They showed respect and deference. 

It was the way families should be — at all times. I pray it continues.

And that reminded me that this is how the family of God — the church — is supposed to interact. The young respect, help, honor the elder members; the elder love on, take an interest in, and encourage those younger.

Unfortunately, our ages often create divisions (in music, activities, priorities) and isolation. 

Romans 12:10 reminds us to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (ESV)

And Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” (ESV)

Paul wasn’t saying to be a doormat and let everyone else’s wishes supersede our own because he does say to look to our own interests but to look at them in light of others’ as well.  However, when our motives are born out of selfishness, superiority, or entitlement, then discord among God’s family begins.

Let’s do our best to sow harmony.