It takes a strong commitment, a deep, deep love for Jesus Christ to take Him over our familial relationships. I have recently read of a teenager, his name is given as “Tim,” but I presume that’s a pseudo-name. He found out that his dad was a drug dealer.
His parents were out of town and he called, speaking to his mom. She tried to make Tim feel guilty by saying that his accusations could destroy his family. As Tim pushed back, his mom blamed Tim for his father’s actions! She said that he had nice clothes, a car, and money because of his dad’s “business.” Again, Tim pushed back and his mom finally said something to the effect that Tim was “naive” and “impressionable.” And he was blowing things out of the water.
Tim did not want any of those nice things if it came at the expense of his dad doing something illegal and unethical. His parents finally kicked him out of the house and told him they were moving and would not tell him where.
Tim is making a life-style choice that reflects the integrity of his commitment. He knew he could not honor their choices. He also knew that he could not go back home because it would be a total compromise of his beliefs.
Tim was 17 years old at the time. But he was standing firm in his commitment to be a servant of Christ.
Being a Christian is not always an easy decision. Christianity is not always laughter and good times. Sometimes it is sadness and tears. To compromise, to blend into the crowd (even family) may make us feel better, but it separates us from our Lord and Savior.
Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
But He also said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 10:34–39).
The apostle of love, John, wrote: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4).
Contrariwise, there is likely nothing more painful than to know that one’s children (or parents) are not walking in truth. But Jesus will reward commitment to Him beyond anything we can imagine. Do you trust Him?
Paul Holland
