Devotion:
Read Matthew 10:37-39.
Years ago, I was offered the coveted position of plant manager in a city far from Chattanooga. It was clear that, as good as this position was in itself, it was a stepping stone to an even better position in my career. But there was a problem -- our daughter was about to enter her senior year in high school. There was absolutely no way I would move her at that time, and I could not bear to think of living alone so far from our family. As important as my career was, my family was more important; and I turned the position down. Before you go patting me on the back for my sacrifice, I must tell you it did not impact my career at all. In the long run, it was not even a sacrifice!
Jesus calls us to a sacrificial life of faith. Sometimes following Christ does involve choosing our faith and love of Christ over love of our family. Jesus is not teaching us irresponsibility for our family, but he is challenging us to love him first and most. We take his instruction to take up our cross and follow him much too lightly. We think of inconveniences, health issues, and challenges in life as our crosses. The hard fact is Jesus is telling us to be willing to die, to lose our life, for our love for him. Rarely are we ever asked to die for Christ, but we are asked to live for him every single day!
Personal Worship Option:
Pray with me today: “Forgive me, Almighty God, when I let inconvenience or hard work get in the way of following your Son as a true disciple. Help me to remember Christ’s sacrificial love for me. Give me the faith to offer my life in service, even if there is sacrifice in it. Thank you for your great love for me. Amen”
No comments:
Post a Comment