4/23/25

There was a young boy, with a very troubled life. He was 12 and had no one. He had no parents, no family to care for him, no place to live, no food, no friends, and no one to provide guidance. He had been on his own since the age of six when his grandmother died. After being picked up by the police for sleeping in an alley, suddenly everyone in town found out his story. A very wealthy husband and wife who had wanted a child decided to take him in. They offered him everything he could desire. First, they gave him all their love. They were available anytime he needed them and were there even when he didn't. They helped him learn as they assisted him with his homework, plenty of food, and family meals together. They took him to family gatherings weekly where he had lots of cousins to play with. He had grandparents who loved him dearly. Friends in the neighborhood to play with. The young man, for the first time in his life, seemed to be very happy. After six months and plenty of hugs, he finally had all a young boy could need. While out with his Father one day in town the young boy saw the alley where he used to sleep. That night he snuck out of the house and ran away back to his old life. The parents were frantic and had the whole town looking for him. It was two weeks before the boy walked into the police station.

Colossians 3:1-2 NASB95 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

The police asked the young boy didn't the couple give you all the love, care, and items you need. The boy said yes absolutely. Then they ask why did you run away. He said when I saw my old life I started to think about it a lot. I started to think that it was good because I didn't have to worry about letting anyone down. I couldn't get that out of my mind. I felt like I was better off before and that is what I deserved. The police, who had notified his new parents, then looked at the parents and said what do you want to do. The Father said to the boy, Son, do you want that life? The boy said, "No, I have decided that the things of my old life chain me to sadness and the things of my new life chain me to joy. I don't want to even look at that alley again. I just want to stay focused on our family's street.

Let this be a lesson we learn from the young boy. When God takes us into His family, we need to avoid our old home and spend as much time as possible looking at our new home with our new family. Looking at and hanging around the old will deceive you. Focus on and live with your new family.

I'm so glad I′m a part

Of the family of God

I′ve been washed in the fountain

Cleansed by His blood

Joint heirs with Jesus

As we travel this sod

For I'm part of the family

The family of God

You will notice we say brother

And sister 'round here

It′s because we're a family

And these folks are so near

When one has a heartache

We all share the tears

And rejoice in each victory

In this family so dear

I'm so glad I′m a part

Of the family of God

I′ve been washed in the fountain

Cleansed by His blood

Joint heirs with Jesus

As we travel this sod

For I'm part of the family

The family of God

From the door of an orphanage

To the house of the King

No longer an outcast

A new song I sing

From rags unto riches

From the weak to the strong

I′m not worthy to be here

But, praise God, I belong

I'm so glad I′m a part

Of the family of God

I've been washed in the fountain

Cleansed by His blood

Joint heirs with Jesus

As we travel this sod

For I′m part of the family

The family of God

Yes I'm part of the family

The family of God

(Bill and Gloria Gaither)

Love Bro. Scott