Put Gid First 🛐✝️
Does this sound harsh? What does it mean to love father or mother, son or daughter more than to love Jesus? It could also have said, husband or wife, or friend! The answer isn't in the loving, but in not putting Jesus first. When we put anything or anyone before God, we are breaking the first commandment. Last Sunday, we looked at how peer pressure can lead us into sin. This can also be true of family members and friends. If you had a relative who had committed a crime, would you lie for him or her? Would you steal for a friend or relative? Would you stop practicing your faith if your spouse objected to it? These are the types of questions that come to mind when I hear this passage. It has nothing to do with loving family or friends, or even loving our enemy; it has to do with going against God's laws in favor of the friend or relative no matter how close that friend or relative might be. In the early days of Christianity, this was a common issue as one member of the family might be converted to Christianity while other members were not. This can still be an issue today when marriages occur between people of different faiths, or when one has no faith at all. The non-practicing individual may pressure the practicing one to stop, or even plan activities that prevent the spouse from practicing his or her faith. This can also bring pressure that will affect their children. When we put God first, everything else falls into place. No matter what sacrifices we might need to make to follow Jesus, he will be there to direct us to the best path for our lives.
Reflecting on the teaching that we must put God first, I have found this principle both challenging and deeply rewarding in my own life. In many situations, the pressure from family or close friends to compromise on faith practices can be intense, especially in mixed-belief households. For instance, when my spouse was hesitant about my participation in certain religious activities, it wasn't an easy road. However, committing to put God first helped me maintain my spiritual discipline without creating lasting harm in our relationship. It's important to recognize that loving family and friends does not conflict with faith—it’s about not letting those relationships take precedence over our devotion to God. I have witnessed how prioritizing this can set a foundation of integrity that even those close to you come to respect over time. When God is truly placed first, the guidance and strength to handle difficult choices become clearer. Furthermore, peer and family pressure can sometimes lead one to question their beliefs or even step back from practicing them altogether. The passage reminds us that faithfulness, even under pressure, is vital. I learned the value of seeking a community of believers for support, which can be especially crucial when your closest circles are unsupportive. This scripture, Matthew 10:37-39, which talks about loving God more than family and friends, resonates with the experiences of many navigating the tension of faith versus relationship loyalty. Early Christians faced similar trials, and today, in diverse households and societies, this balance continues to be tested. Putting God first does not mean neglecting loved ones; rather, it means allowing your faith to guide all your relationships. In doing so, it brings peace and clarity to your life decisions. The reassurance that Jesus will direct you on the best path, despite any sacrifices, has been a source of comfort and strength in my personal journey.