Hear me… even loyalty to your family is not to take priority over Jesus’ demand of obedience!
Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.” Matthew 8: 21-22
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9: 62
Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” Luke 8: 19-21
Following Jesus demands a decision. When He walked the earth, He was always direct with those who wanted to follow Him. He wants total dedication, not half-hearted commitment. His direct challenge forces us to ask ourselves about our own priorities in following Him. Christ offers us an intimate family relationship with Him. Other loyalties seem to scream for our attention, but our decision to follow Jesus shouldn’t be put off.
We can’t pick and choose to obey His teachings and commands. We can’t have one foot in the world, and the other in the word. It’s all or nothing. We must come to God on His terms. We have to count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given us security—and not look back.
Let me end today’s post with some words Jesus says about God’s true children…
Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
So when I tell the truth you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” John 8: 42-47
Satan absolutely uses people to scoff at, thwart, and obstruct the things of God. Most are not conscious of it. Satan works in subtle ways. Temptation often begins by simply seeing what you want. Are you struggling with temptation because you haven’t learned that looking is the first step towards sin? Take Paul’s advice and flee from the things that produce evil thoughts! Knowing when to run is as important in spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight.
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” 2 Timothy 2: 22
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