Division Decision

"I have come to set the world on fire and I wish it were already burning!

Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth?

No, I have come to divide people against each other!

From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against -- or two in favor and three against.

Father will be divided against son

and son against father;

mother against daughter

and daughter against mother;

and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law

and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." [Luke 12.49,51-53]

A person's relationship with God can -- indeed, should -- affect every earthly relationship. Sometimes, the effect is negative, and Jesus wants his followers to be prepared.

Jesus came to bring strife and division, not peace.

Wait! Isn't Jesus supposed to be a peacemaker? Did he not say to turn the other cheek when others insult or injure us? Didn't he allow thugs to nail him to the cross? Why this talking of fighting? Why this bad news?

Jesus ins't asking us to pick fights, to be obnoxious with our views, or to brag about being enlightened until people can't stand to hear anymore. He is merely warning us that not everyone will want to follow him. Some will accept him while others will reject him. Unlike choosing a favorite color, recognizing God's absolute authority, our sins, and Jesus' claim on our lives radically changes us. Because this changes affect many areas of great consequence, they will often ripple through the close relationship in a family.

Be patient with those who are slow to respond to God's gift of salvation or the changes he brings about in your life. Have faith that those loved ones who reject Christ may one day accept him. In the meantime endure their rejection, realizing that Christ understands what you are going through.

How has your Christian faith impacted your relationships?

# The One Year Through the Bible # by Dave Veerman