Sandra Fischer - Faithwriter

Our Spiritual Family Tree - Sandra Fischer

The apostle Paul wrote to disciples, “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. . .be imitators of me” 1 Corinthians 4:15b–16b

Do you have inherited features from someone in your biological family tree? I do. I have my “mother’s eyes”, my “father’s red hair”, and my “grandmother’s pear-shaped physique.” I also have features from what I call my “spiritual family tree.” I have diligence to study God’s Word instilled by a dedicated Sunday school teacher. I possess a hunger for righteousness from passionate pastors who preached God’s truth. I bear a desire to serve others inspired by faithful church servants I know. Overall, as a child of God, I contain the constant guidance, comfort, and discernment of the Holy Spirit at work in me. 

Paul emphasized the importance of nurturing faith in others. He called Timothy his “true child in the faith” 1 Timothy 1:2 ESV. Paul could count innumerable others as part of his faith family—early believers who first read his letters and millions of us who still do. Can you point to people who are similar progenitors of your faith, members of your “spiritual family tree?”

At the top of every believer’s family tree is God, our Father. “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ” Ephesians 1:5a NLT. And Jesus acknowledges our identity with Him, “For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother” Mark 3:35 ESV.

Why not draw up a spiritual family tree of those who fostered your faith in Christ? If it includes people still living, tell them what they mean as your spiritual forbearers.

“Lord, thank you for adopting me and blessing me with a spiritual family.”