KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES'?

I don't even know anybody with last name Jones, but even if I did, I wouldn't want to keep up with them.

I have a neighbor who always has to have the newest and best...everything. Even if we weren't facing economic meltdown right now, and could keep up with them, I would choose not to. I prefer to keep up with the Duncan's, or the Howell's, or the Sanson's, or the Chapek's. If you don't know any of these family's, I am certain you know someone like them. Why are they worthy of being kept up with? Because they keep up with God.

Though they are all very different, there is one common denominator that binds them; The Lord is at the epicenter of their family. He is invited into every aspect of their lives and it shows. So, are they perfect then? No they aren't, and they will be the first to admit that fact, which only adds to their grace.

Their marriages, strong and holy, are a force to be reckoned with. They give, "What God has brought together, let no man put asunder," a whole new meaning. The bond they share is incredible and such a powerful testimony to true biblical marriage.

Their children (all of them) are being raised to love the Lord and to uphold the truth in God's Word. They all have differing parenting styles, but when the foundation is the Lord, the parenting is blessed. Their children are incredible disciples and behave in a manner with which any parent would be pleased.

They are mentors, even when they don't realize they are mentoring. It comes so naturally to them because they lead by example. If one of these couples says, "I will pray for you," then you can count on that prayer. Matter of fact, most times, they will just stop and pray for you on the spot.

Their friendships know no bounds and they are the kind of people you always want surrounding you. Even with a simple smile, gesture, or kind word, they never fail to make the most insignificant moment seem special. They are good friends, admirable couples, amazing parents, and most importantly lovers and followers of Christ.

While "stuff" is nice, it usually just gets in the way, collects dust, or needs to be replaced. What the Duncan's, the Howell's, the Sanson's and the Chapek's have is not accessible to moths and rust. They have a genuine gift that many do not possess. They have figured out that with Christ at the center of everything, the "stuff" just doesn't matter. I feel blessed to have so many great examples of what a Christ-filled marriage is; many more than I listed here. I am grateful to God for putting these wonderful people in my life.

So in the loving style of Miss Veruca Salt, "I want what they have Daddy, and I want it NOW!"



(no animals were harmed in the making of this blog and the blogger does not intend to insinuate in any way that someone with the surname "Jones" does not have Christ in their family.)