In 1980, a mother in North Carolina died in childbirth leaving nine children. Not wanting to separate among relatives and foster parents, the children persuaded authorities to let them raise themselves. 35 years later, they reunited to honor their mother. Eight made it to the reunion—an artist, two shop owners, an attorney, a contractor, two college students, and a former professional boxer. They attribute their success to copying their mother who was always helping others. We read in Mark Ch 3 where Jesus’ family came supposedly to rescue him from a hostile religious crowd. When Jesus learned that his mother and brothers were outside asking for him, He said, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus has a test to determine those He regards as family. It is those who have the same ambition He has—of doing the will of God the Father. So while we must never use the pretext of our allegiance to God as an excuse for neglecting our family, we must realize that earthly ties must not rise above our allegiance to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
