Choosing Between Christ and Kin   
 

by Steve Klein

 

Jesus, the Lord of Glory, came to this earth, lived a sinless life and died a shameful death.  He did it for you and me "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8).  Surely, we do not feel ourselves worthy of such a sacrifice.  But Jesus came into the world to "save sinners," even the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15).  To our Lord, the souls of sinners have value -- something that makes them worthy of His saving sacrifice.  Considering this, our Lord's statement in Matthew 10:37-38 is quite astounding, for here Jesus tells us that there are some who are "not worthy" of Him! He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." Every follower of Christ has a cross to carry and a burden to bear.  For many Christians, and "wanna be" Christians, one burden to be born involves a choice between a close family member and the Lord.  This choice may present itself in several different ways, but it always boils down to this question: Whom do I love more, Christ or family? WHOM DO I LOVE MORE, when there is... A choice between God's plan of salvation (i.e. Acts 2:38), and the one followed by parents or grandparents? A choice between following God's instructions for discipline within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) and "maintaining family ties"? A choice between the truth of God on a moral issue (e.g. marriage and divorce, Matthew 19:9), and twisting God's truth to try to justify the behavior of a family member? If we love the family more, we are not worthy of Christ.  Are you worthy?

 Other Articles by Steve Klein

The Work God Gave to the Local Church
The Gospel Five Step Plan
Making Difficult Decisions
Baptism and the Fellowship of the Saints
Legalism -- The Un-Sin
Winning Last Place
How Men Act When They Repent
Hairpin Curves