Founded by Bryant Wright, Right from the Heart is a
daily injection of truth, reminding you about what
matters most in life. Basically, we cut the fluff and
get right to the point.
Tough Expectations Oct 08 2012
"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:37 NIV
If Jesus has ever made a scary statement, one that causes me to examine my heart to its very core, it has to be Matthew 10:37. Read the scripture referenced above again. Now that is a stunning statement, one that challenges me to fully comprehend. That is because I love my wife. I love my children. I love my grandchildren and parents and siblings. I even love my in-laws. Because of my deep love for my family, Jesus' statement makes me very uncomfortable. In fact, it terrifies me.
Similar to God's statement to Abraham, Jesus is saying that when it comes to our family members, Christ must be in first place, or else He will be in no place at all when it comes to our lives. As hard as that is to take in, Christ wants to make it clear that if we want to follow Christ, He must be first. The fact is that if we love anyone (or anything) more than Jesus, we are not worthy of Him. And if that's not tough enough, He goes on and says that we must love Him more than we love our own life itself. Jesus sets up high expectations for His followers.
Am I willing to meet His expectations? I am, as tough as it is. How about you?
1-MinuteDaily Devotions
You are reading a Daily Devotion from Right From The Heart. We invite you to share it, leave a comment, and subscribe to the daily email or RSS feed.
Subscribe to the Daily Devotion
We send out the devotion terribly early every morning. Enter your email address to get on the list.
Recent Devotions
| Tue, Jun 18 | Even Though He Was Guilty (5) |
| Mon, Jun 17 | Done In The Name Of Religion (10) |
| Sun, Jun 16 | Being A Father Is A Big Deal (2) |
| Sat, Jun 15 | The Gavel May Fall On You (2) |
| Fri, Jun 14 | Meeting Life's Challenges (5) |
| Thu, Jun 13 | I Listen |
| Wed, Jun 12 | Why Can't We Just Love Each Other? (13) |
3 Comments
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindThere comes a Point in Life where we realize others are very dependent on our Gracious Indignations.
When it gets to that Point? We have to let go and they have to let go. Enough is enough.
My Ex has always told me there is a "fine line between love and hate".
But the Bottom Line is this...If they want you to Hate them as much as they hate you?
That ain't gonna get it with Jesus.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindTo whom it may concern,
I believe you took this verse out of its context. Please ask the Holy Spirit for a clearer understanding. This is what religion teaches but not what Jesus taught.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindPlease forgive me for not leaving an explanation to the comment I stated above.
From the revelation I was given through the Holy Spirit is as follows:
Jesus was not teaching we were hateing Him due to loving our families more. He was teaching that as growing up in our parents household we are under our parents control and influences.
Now while growing up we will start developing our own thoughts and opinions. And at some point in our lives we can be exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. With said, once the gospel has been preached to us and we accept Jesus as our Savior there will and could be dissention from family members due to our in faith that may be contrary to our own family (Mat 10:34-36).
Now the hardest and toughest decision one will have to make is: will we continue to follow religion and family influence or will take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Now if we choose your family influences and religion over Jesus you may find yourself not worthy of Jesus due to your decision.