Here’s the second mark of a true disciple… They love Jesus more than anyone or anything, even if it results with a falling out with family and friends.
“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!” Matthew 10: 34-36
It’s very heartbreaking, but there’s no doubt about it… there’s bound to be times when we’re placed in awkward situations with family members when Christ’s standards of holiness will come into direct conflict with our family’s standards. It’s bound to cause strife. Bottom line…. Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who don’t.
By saying this, Jesus wasn’t encouraging disobedience to parents or conflict at home. He was showing that His presence demands a decision. By “taking up our cross,” our changed lives (our morals and different values) will definitely set us apart. We’re no longer the person we used to be, and sometimes that means being treated like an outcast or an alien. I speak from experience, and I know some of you totally understand what I’m talking about.
Christ calls us to a higher mission than to find comfort and tranquility in this life. Yes, love of family is a law of God, but even this love can be self-serving and used as an excuse not to serve God or do His work. We can’t neglect our families, but remember that the commitment we make to God is even more important. God absolutely has to be our first priority!
More on this subject…
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