Family is a wonderful thing, and these relationships do so much to enrich our lives, but family makes a lousy god.

People sometimes think...if only my relationship was better with my dad, or if only I found a husband or wife, or if only we had kids — then life would be complete. A picture-perfect family is a blessing, indeed, but this is not where God wants us to seek meaning in our lives.

Family relationships are complicated, and since we’re talking about people, not God, we are sure to be disappointed when a parent, sibling, spouse, or child lets us down. Like us, each of these beloved people in our lives are marked by imperfection.

We love our families (or the dream of a future family) dearly, but this isn’t where we should ultimately place our hope.

Joshua 24:15 says, “Choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

The Bible tells us in order to be a disciple, we must be willing to give up everything for Jesus. Following Jesus requires commitment and faithfulness, even if our parents or spouse choose not to follow the Lord. If and when we are faced with the painful choice of loyalty to family versus loyalty to Jesus, we must choose Jesus.

Luke 14:26 says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”

Even if our family members disown us—or worse—for being Christians, we must follow Christ. Jesus’ command to “hate his own father and mother” isn’t a suggestion about how to treat our loved ones. The Lord requires us to prioritize our relationship with Him over our relationships with parents, siblings, a spouse, children, and even ourselves. We must choose to place our hope in God, above all other relationships.

Let’s pray.

God, you alone make life worth living. No earthly relationship, by birth or bond, takes priority over our relationship with you. Thank you for being the one true God we can follow, and rely on. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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