"Family First!"

We have a saying at our house: “Family first!” It’s the Leno way of declaring our devotion and loyalty to one another.

But I recently read a verse that presses even deeper than our strongest family instincts.

Jesus’ mother and brothers came looking for Him one day, but the crowd was so thick they couldn’t get near. Someone told Him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:19–21, ESV).

At first, that sounds a little harsh—especially if you come from a close-knit family like ours. But tucked inside this moment is a powerful and very practical truth. Sometimes a person finds deeper closeness with people who aren’t related by blood at all.

The strongest bonds in life aren’t merely biological. They grow where people share the same values, the same aims, the same direction—and ultimately, the same Lord.

Those whose aim is to align their lives with God’s will are the true family of Jesus. And when that kind of unity exists within our own households, so much the better. But no matter where it’s found, being united to Christ—and to His people—comes first.