Trust and Obey

My Utmost For His Highest

 

‘Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation. We are condemned to salvation through the Cross of Christ. But discipleship has an option with it-”If anyone . . .[ If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple]” (Luke 14:26).[…] Paul’s words [1 Corinthians 9:16 ” For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”] have to do with our being made servants of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never asked as to what we will do or where we will go. God makes us as broken bread and poured-out wine to please Himself. To be “separated to the gospel” means being able to hear the call of God (Romans 1:1). Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely blotted out and extinguished. Only one thing remains— “. . . separated to the gospel. . . .” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him.’ CHAMBERS

 

Note: […] means there are portions of the original text I did not include in the quote .. or words I have added for clarification.

 

What does it mean to make God first in your life?  To trust and obey?  What will it cost you in terms of your natural life? Jesus was not suggesting that you disown your family .. what He is saying is that compared to the love you have for God … it would appear that you hate your earthly family.  But the Word also says husbands are to love their wives just like Jesus loved the Church (Eph 5:25).

 

1 John 4:20 says “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”

 

So Jesus could not be saying to “hate” your family.  But rather to love God most.  With all your heart and all your soul and all your strength. (Matthew 22:37) And when we do that .. the result will be a demonstration of love toward your family that is greater than any love and devotion that you could conjure up on your own.  You first offer yourself to God and then to others.  For some that means that you must go places that are difficult .. live in circumstances that are unpleasant .. and maybe even be apart from those you care about that.  That is God’s choice not yours.  God demands total devotion to him and total obedience …. He does not call everyone to the mission field .. but He does call everyone to leave their old life and follow Him. To wherever that may lead.

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)