(This is a repost from our old blog. It was originally posted on 6th September 2008)

It’s been a while since our last blog entry. We’ve been busy building our support base, fighting off Tropical Storm Fay (Myra), attending a conference (Ian) and other things … but this morning as we were reading The Word, 1 Cor. 15:7 started a train of thought. It says “After that He was seen by James, …”. There is no scriptural evidence, but it’s always assumed that the “James” mentioned was Jesus’ brother.  Has it ever struck you as how odd it was the Jesus’ family never got behind Him during his ministry? And yet James became the undisputed leader of the Jerusalem church. This little verse makes it likely that the cumulative weight of the crucifixion and the resurrection changed James’ mind. But the family story is interesting isn’t it? Raised with the perfect elder brother, Jesus’ brothers and sisters could not shake of the chains of respectability and follow Him when his ministry started.

Myra and I reflected that we have brothers and sisters who don’t “get” what we are doing either. How about you? Sometimes it’s tough to be a Christ-follower when even your closest family isn’t happy with the way your life changes before their eyes. It can be even tougher. Some of you might be wives with husbands who aren’t Christians yet … or husbands trying to give Christ-like sacrificial leadership to a family that is quite happy living in a worldly way. The apostle Peter said “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” and “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”. He also accounts for difficulties in the Christian life, saying “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…”. Does that seem a stretch … to believe that we should expect even Christian marriage and family life to be a struggle? I don’t find it hard to believe. If you’re trying to raise your children and love and respect your spouse the way God intended, you’re living counter culture. The rewards are great, but they don’t come easy!