Devotion for Friday, August 9, 2024

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37-38).

The first commandment is very clear.  Our Lord is at the top.  The One through whom all things exist is the most important.  To get this priority wrong is to be at enmity with God.  In your family, it will be the same.  Yes, you love your family, but they, the created, are not more important than the Creator.  We all know parents who have ruined their sons by hovering over them.  God does not hover over us, but He is and must be first priority for us.

Lord, You are a God of order.  You are a God of balance.  You are a God of priorities.  Help me to see that this is an imperative but also, that it can be done with Your grace.  My family may not be first, but I can love them with all my heart.  I can and must learn to love You also with my whole heart, with the understanding that You are my first priority.  Lead me to know that in You, I have all the mercy and grace I need to work through these things.

Lord Jesus, some of the words You speak seem so hard.  You are teaching us how to live in eternity.  Help me today to have the right priorities.  You are first and I must follow You no matter the cost.  You give me the words of eternal life.  Help me to live by the priorities You set so that I may grow a little more in Your likeness each day.  May I take up the cross You give me today and follow You.  Amen.