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Several years ago, my family planned a trip to Disney World. There was approximately ten of us going. I remember the excitement of going to Disney World. I’ve never been a fan of roller coasters, but I was excited to spend quality time on vacation with my family.
On our way there, we all discussed the things we wanted to do, the places we wanted to see, and how much fun it was going to be. But the reality seems to always be different than the fantasy we make up in our minds. As soon as we arrived, we felt first-hand the scorching heat of the Florida summer. We were literally sweating just walking to the entrance.
It didn’t take long for everyone to want to go to different places. One person wanted to go on rollercoasters, another wanted to see Mickey Mouse, and the others simply wanted to stay in the air conditioning.
A trip that was supposed to bring unity actually brought a little division that day. It wasn't long before everyone started to venture off to the areas that they preferred, and we all planned to meet back up later on.
The interesting thing in coming to Christ is that Jesus says the road to Heaven is extremely narrow and difficult. And if we want to spend eternity resting in paradise, there is only one narrow, difficult, uncomfortable way to get there.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it." - Matthew 7:13 AMP
Much similar to my family’s time at Disney World, following Jesus should create some friction between you and your loved ones. We all arrived at Disney World with the intention of staying together, but our preferences eventually separated us into our own directions.
Is it possible to follow the narrow road that Jesus is referring to and never receive criticism from your loved ones? Jesus warns us that if we have anyone over Him in our lives, that it will be impossible to follow Him.
"12 Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand]." - 2 Timothy 3:12 AMPC
Why do we expect for someone being led by God and His words to be accepted by someone who’s being led by their own preferences?
"34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law—36 And a man’s foes will be they of his own household. 37 He who loves [and takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; 38 And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me." - Matthew 10:34-38 AMPC
In many countries and households, Christianity is not accepted. So the choice to follow God could permanently separate mothers and daughters. Jesus tells us these things so that we won’t be surprised or caught off-guard by the reality of actually following Him.
"46 Jesus was still speaking to the people when behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47 Someone said to Him, Listen! Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You. 48 But He replied to the man who told Him, Who is My mother, and who are My brothers? 49 And stretching out His hand toward [not only the twelve disciples but all] His adherents, He said, Here are My mother and My brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!" - Matthew 12:46-50 AMPC
I think we can all agree that we have made decisions based off the opinion of others that never worked out. If we are being honest, most of the people who offer opinions on your life actually hate their own lives. If we are truly going to stand for Christ, we must realise that, a majority of the time, that means we will be standing alone.
"60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, 'Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, 'This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.' 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." - John 6:60-66 AMPC
Question of the Day: Have you chosen to keep the peace with family and left your relationship with God in pieces?