A Response to the Events of January 6

Friends,

We were going to begin by wishing you a Happy New Year. Unfortunately, the events yesterday at the U.S. Capitol were anything but “happy.” Instead, it was a sobering reminder of the growing divisiveness and distrust in our nation.

As the events unfolded, my first thoughts were, how do I explain what’s happening to my children? How do we respond as a family to the growing division and distrust?

At Famous at Home, our first priority is representing the name of Jesus more than any other allegiance. In John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

As citizens of heaven, we were taught to pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This is a prayer we pray with our children literally every single night—instilling in them allegiance to honor first and foremost the King of Kings and to live for Him.

We can’t be naïve though. We also live on the earth. 

At Famous at Home, we have friends and listeners from all over the world of varying political stances, beliefs, and persuasions. And we wouldn’t want it any other way. Those differing vantage points should make us stronger, not weaker. Unify us, not divide us. 

This can only happen though when we’re willing to “…be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For human anger does not bring about God’s righteousness” (James 1:19-20, CSB).

Even before the events unfolded yesterday, our family decided to update one of our family values from what used to be “integrity,” to the word “righteousness.” We’ll be discussing the reasons for this more in-depth on a future podcast episode. For now, keep in mind it was Jesus who told us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33, NIV). 

However, His righteousness is the way of peace, not breaking federal laws. Jesus preaches, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9, NIV).  Later, James writes, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (3:18, NIV). Jesus was killed having broken no governmental laws, only Pharisaical ones.

We believe the way forward for our kids and our families is to first look inward and upward. To allow fame in our earthly home flow from fame in our heavenly home. That always begins in prayer. This should be the case no matter who’s the president of your respective country, or what political party is in control. The Bible tells us to pray for our leaders, like them or not. 

Second, seek to live righteous before the Lord. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne (Psalm 97:2). Let’s watch what we say about other people and how we act toward them, allowing peace to guide us. Your kids watch you more than the news.   

Third, evaluate the harvest of your beliefs and actions. If the fruit of my politics is loving those who think like me and hating those who don’t; fighting for a policy more than listening to people; padding my pockets before giving to the poor; living in fear more than faith; and loving my country more than my neighbor, then I’m putting trust in this kingdom more than His. And that’s a heart issue, not a political one. 

At Famous at Home, we urge you to join us in being a tribe of families who live unifying and trustworthy lives. 

As you process current events happening in the world around you, begin praying with and talking to your kids about how your family can join Jesus in bringing “His Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven” both in how you talk about and treat other people.

It’s an honor walking alongside you,

Josh + Christi

Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash