"A Blended Family"

 

“A Blended Family”

 

In my research I found that the term “blended family” was first used in 1972. Since then it has largely replaced “step family” to describe two family groups which come together to form a new and (hopefully) united family. With the cultural changes over the past half century this household arrangement has become increasingly commonplace. Virtually all of us are familiar with one or more “blended families” (a gentler term than “step family”) in our own families as well as in our neighborhoods, churches and other relationships.

Perhaps the most well-known example of a blended family was portrayed on the 1969-1974 sitcom “The Brady Bunch”. The classic show features a widowed mother with three daughters and a widowed father and three sons marrying and, in the words of the theme song, “That this group should somehow form a family, that’s the way we all became The Brady Bunch.” The series depicts the struggles of blended family life but in the end everything works out in mutual love and respect. If only this were the case in all real-life situations!

A key phrase in Ecclesiastes is, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (1:9). While the modern usage of “blended family” goes back only 50 years God introduced the idea in the first century to describe the church. In Galatians 3:28 Paul writes, “In Christ’s family there can be no divisions into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.” (TM, emphasis added)—in other words, we’re a blended family based on our faith in Christ.

A 21^st century example might look like this: “There’s no division over family of origin, national heritage, economic status, sports team preferences, likes and dislikes or any other peripheral issue. We’re joined together in fellowship through the common bond of our salvation in Christ.” In the further words of Paul, “…In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5, emphasis added). Dare we call ourselves “The Jesus Bunch” as His blended family? May this be true to His glory!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

(For another take on this topic see “Undivided”.)