Words from the Rock
Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
Matthew 10:34–37 Message
Again, Jesus was encouraging his disciples and followers to brace themselves for some tough times ahead. And, for sure, the disciples were about to enter into some pretty treacherous territory. Jesus didn’t want to deceive them, and he wasn’t about to tell them that following him would be just a walk in the park. More like a walk through a minefield.
While your life probably won’t be threatened as a result of your faith, it’s possible that you could endure some challenges that were similar to those of the disciples. For instance, it’s likely that not all your family members will share your beliefs. In fact, there might be some who will criticize you for your faith. They might even ridicule you or try to talk you out of it. There might be some who will cut you off or freeze you out. It could be the price you will pay for following Jesus. But does that mean you should back down? Should you set aside your faith in order to please your family? Of course not.
Jesus makes it clear that if you choose your family (even your parents) over him, you are making a serious mistake. If you allow even the most loving family member to convince you to abandon your faith, you will be sorry. And you won’t be sorry only for your own sake, but you will also be sorry for theirs—when you realize that if you’d stuck to your beliefs, perhaps they would’ve joined you eventually. So, even if it’s tough, hold firm to your faith. Trust God more than family or friends or anyone—and in the end you will not regret it.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I choose to put you first in my life. Even if my family doesn’t support my faith, I will follow you. Please help them to see your work in me and to want you to be first in their lives too.
Amen.
Final Word
Do you think that I came to bring peace to earth? No indeed! I came to make people choose sides.
Luke 12:51 CEV
Stone for the Journey
Even if it’s hard and I feel alone, I will stick with God—and he will stick with me.