There are many things that can divide a family; but one of the main divisive and destructive attitudes is that of selfishness.
The youngest son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) had one thing on his mind, and that was how he might take care of number one--himself.
I know I may be reading between the lines, but I don't think I am too off course, to the lesson that Jesus was trying to get across.
This young selfish boy, didn't think about how, this taking of his inheritance, and leaving the family, would affect his father. Jesus doesn't mention a mother, but if there was a mother, she would have been devastated as well. He didn't think about his older brother, who was left to take care of his brother's part of the work load. No he only thought of himself.
The thing that we forget in a family, and that includes the church, (because the church is a family) is that everyone is important, and you have to take into consideration how your thoughts and actions will affect the lives of your loved ones.
It's not just about us, and we don't have to get our own way all the time.
If there are problems, we can work them out, so that the family as a whole will be the beneficiary of our efforts, not just us.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
Our families will be blessed, when we do just that! GP
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