Belonging

Tom Moore

 Some of you may remember an episode from the old Andy Griffith Television show in which the Women’s Historical Society discovered that a living descendant of a Revolutionary War hero was living right there in Mayberry. The news generated excitement and curiosity throughout the town as people made plans for recognizing the hero’s relative. Barney Fife, of course, twisted his own family tree to the point that he put himself in line for the honor. The rest of the townspeople felt special just because someone among them was related to a hero.

 However, everyone was shocked when the person was finally revealed. A careful analysis of the genealogical records determined that the hero’s descendent was none other than, Otis Campbell, the town drunk. Despite suggestions to find a “substitute Otis” for the presentation, the real Otis showed up for the ceremony true to form. When the ladies finally give him the plaque, Otis holds it in his hands for a moment, and then decides instead to give the plaque to the town. He tells them, “Just because you’re the descendent of a hero doesn’t make you one too. So I would like to present this plaque to the town of Mayberry, to which I am just proud to belong.”

 Well, aren’t we all? Aren’t we all just happy to belong, to be included! This is especially true with regard to the spiritual family of God. When one has believed on the Lord (Jn. 3:16), repented of his sin (Lk. 13:3), confessed the name of Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10), and been baptized for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38) he is added the Lord’s church – His family. I feel privileged to belong to this family. How about you? As such, should we not live our lives in such a way to be honor to the family?