Under Gods command

Under Gods Command
God First, family second
Matthew 10:34-39, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Christian commitment may separate friends and loved ones. In saying this, Jesus was not encouraging disobedience to parents or conflict at home. Rather, he was showing that his presence demands a decision. Because some will follow Christ and some won’t, conflict will inevitably arise. As we take our cross and follow him, our different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others. Christ calls us to a higher mission than to find comfort and tranquility in this life. Love of family is a law of God, but even this love can be self-serving and used as an excuse not to serve God or do his work. Don’t neglect your family, but remember that your commitment to God is even more important. God should be your first priority.

Under Gods Command

John 8:42-45 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and
now am here. I have not come on my own, but he sent me, Why is my language not clear to your? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!

The religious leaders were unable to understand because they refused to listen. Satan used their stubbornness, pride and prejudices to keep them from believing in Jesus. The attitudes and actions of these leaders clearly identified them as followers of Satan. They may not have been conscious of this, but their hatered of truth, their lies, and their murderous intentions indicated how much control the devil had over them. They were his tools in
carrying out his plans; they spoke the very same language of lies. Satan still uses people to obstruct God’s
work (Gen 4:8 Romans 5:12 John 3:12).

Under Gods Command

John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right, He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. Thus Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be.

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

No one is without sin. As soon as we confess our sin and repent, sinful thoughts and actions begin to creep back into our lives. We all need ongoing cleansing, moment by moment. Thank God he provides forgiveness by his mercy when we ask for it. Make confession and repentance a regular part of your talks with God. Rely on him moment by moment for the cleansing you need.