Thoughts for another day

February 1, 2007

Today's verse: Matt. 10:37. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The Word of God, is a tad difficult to digest for most of us. I was discussing yesterday, the essence of today’s verse with someone and I never thought God would inspire me to use it for reflection, today. But, God I believe wants the cobwebs off our minds and the ways of men kept aside from His. Looking at the above verse we may find it contra to what God tells us in other areas of the Bible, particularly with what pertains to the family. But of course, when God says something, trust Him.

Most ‘true’ preachers and teachers of the Word, find many claim to love God and are ready to give their lives for Him. Yet, when it comes to following Him wholeheartedly, they fail miserably; because, families and dear ones come first, not God. When the song, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back’ is sung in church, we sing with much gusto, little reflecting on the meaning. For me, at one time, it was one of the most difficult songs to sing; because of the commitment in it. The song says, ‘The world behind me, the Cross before me…no turning back.’ Can I do it?
Everything behind me and the Cross before me…Is it possible?

When I look around, I want to believe, it’s not possible. We are so caught up in our own things; there is no time for the Cross. Some say, ‘I am chosen by God to do His work’. But just ask them to accompany you in visiting a sick person and the excuse comes, ‘Well brother, I’m so busy, so much work and my child’s exams are on the anvil, pls. excuse; but after a month, I’ll surely come…’ One sister has now spent over 3 years saying this. Each time, there is another and new excuse and each time there is the promise that she will surely set time aside for the Lord, but wait…and wait…and wait. I remember a little illustration: satan is contemplating strategy to make people move away from God very subtly and his lackeys discuss and discuss to no avail. When suddenly one of the lackeys of the devil has a brain wave, ’give them success, lots to do and excuses, that they never have nor make the time, but only the ‘desire’ to follow God. And they will come to hell with the ‘desire’ and all the time possible.’

How true beloved! We place everything else before our devotion to God. We have genuine reasons that even out-weigh the reason for God. We forget, when we leave everything and follow God, He carries our every other thing: whether family, work, or whatever. I have seen this in my own life and in so many other people’s lives that for me it is no longer a myth. If you today desire in your heart to work for God, leave all those silly reasons in God’s hands and follow Him. God will never fail you.