There is a tension for churches in the suburban sprawl, especially here in Katy, Tx. In order for people to be ‘normal’ in suburbia, they have to be too busy. It is no different than being a high school student and wearing the accepted clothing… and don’t try to give me that line about you not being that way when YOU were in high school. There is a reason people chuckle when they see pictures from that era in your life. Social pressures are real regardless of your age, season of life, or how much of a rebel you believe that you are. So, whether you fight it or succumb to it, one of the social pressures of living in this context is busyness.
Our families have a rhythm
I invite you to engage in a little social research. As you begin talking to your friends and neighbors who live around you, take note of how frequently and how quickly they are describing their busy lives. You’ll find it eye-opening. Given the reality of such a busy culture, churches can either play along by providing something for a family to do each night of the week or push against the cultural flow.
As my own children are getting older and our lives seem to be getting busier, I have been reflecting on these ideas a lot. I am convinced that the same truths that transformed lives when Moses was writing first books of our Bible are the same truths that transform today. Sure, the context is completely different and the details of application must change. However, just think with me about these words in Deuteronomy 6:4-7
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ESV)
There is an obvious rhythm here. Rhythm is an interesting term, because although most of us do not think of it this way, it is always there. Rhythm is present in music whether it is intentional and organized or completely random and chaotic. The same is true in our homes. Our families have a rhythm and it might be intentional or it might be pure chaos. It seems that Moses is calling us to a pretty intentional rhythm in our homes. He is challenging us to create a rhythm of discipleship in our homes.
We do so many good things with our families, such as various sports leagues and even church stuff. But the truth is that our marriages and children are truly transformed by intentional rhythms of spiritual investment. Where intention is absent, chaos and complacency reign supreme.
Have you experienced any family rhythms in your home which you felt were worthy investments? Let us know in the comments.
Matt
Matt Powell serves as teaching pastor at Crossings Community Church, a body of believers whose mission is to engage, equip, and empower homes for gospel transformation in Katy, TX.