¶ Family Makes a Lousy God
Well , family is a wonderful thing and these relationships do so much to enrich our lives , but family makes a lousy God . People sometimes think if only my relationship was better with my dad , or if only I found a husband or wife , or if only we had kids , then life would be complete .
A picture-perfect family is a blessing indeed , but this is not where God wants us to seek meaning in our lives . Family relationships are complicated and since we're talking about people , not God , we're sure to be disappointed when a parent , sibling , spouse or child lets us down . Like us , each of these beloved people in our lives are marked with imperfection .
We love our families , or maybe the dream of a future family , dearly , but this isn't where we should ultimately place our hope .
¶ Choose Whom You Will Serve
Joshua 24 , 15 says choose this day . Whom you will serve ? As for me and my house , we will serve the Lord . The Bible tells us . In order to be a disciple , we must be willing to give up everything for Jesus . Following Jesus requires commitment and faithfulness , even if our parents or spouse choose not to follow the Lord .
If and when we are faced with the painful choice of loyalty to family versus loyalty to Jesus , we're supposed to choose Jesus . Luke 14.26 says we're supposed to choose Jesus . Luke 14
¶ Prioritizing God Above All Relationships
, 26 says If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters , yes , and even his own life , he cannot be my disciple . Even if our family members disown us or worse for being Christians , we must follow Christ Jesus' command .
To hate his own father and mother isn't a suggestion about how to treat our loved ones . The Lord requires us to prioritize our relationship with him over our relationships with parents , siblings , a spouse , children , even ourselves . We must choose to place our hope in God above all other relationships . Let's pray Lord God . You alone make life worth living .
No earthly relationship by birth or bond takes priority over our relationship with you . Thank you for being the one true God we can follow and rely on . In Jesus' name , amen .