Blessed Be the Tie that Binds

DAILY READING

Philippians 1:1-2

Retired Bishop Emerson Colaw tells of six-year-old Mary Taft, whose family were members of Hyde Park UMC, Cincinnati, where he pastored for many years. On her first day of school, the teacher asked the children to introduce themselves. Mary stood tall and said, “I am Mary Taft. My great-grandfather was the president of the United States. My grandfather was a senator, my father is a congressman, and I am a Girl Scout Brownie.”

In these first two verses, Paul reminds us of our relationships with each other. He’s a servant “of Christ,” they are saints “in Christ,” and they receive grace “from Christ.” Christ is our connection!

Imagine that you are on the left side of this page, another person is on the right side, and Christ is in the middle. Notice that you move closer to the other person as you move toward Christ. 

Without Christ in our relationships, we are left on our own. With Christ in our relationships, Christ helps us overcome any obstacle in life, even with some of the most difficult people.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• In which of your relationships is Christ at the center?
• In which of your relationships is Christ not at the center?
• How might your relationships change if Christ was at the center?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Dialog about how Christ could make your family relationships even stronger.
• Encourage each family member to choose a person and tell how you will let Christ improve your relationship with that person.

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear loving God, thank you for your gracious love. When I think of a particular person, please guide me to let you be in the midst of what we say and do when we are together. In your gracious name, I ask. Amen.

WRITE FOR THE FIELD GUIDE

Are you inspired by the Daily Field Guide devotions each week? You can inspire others in the congregation with your reflections on God’s word by becoming a Field Guide author! Contact Jason Alteri at jalteri@bumc.net to learn more.