Love and Obedience

“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 finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37‭-‬39 NKJV

Jesus was pretty clear on how He wants our relationship with Him to be. He wants us to have a tension-free relationship, and knows that a relationship between One Who has given Himself wholly to a relationship and one who hasn't and whose heart and loyalty is divided won't work. Jesus loves us more than anything we can ever imagine and has given Himself 100% to us, and says that whoever doesn't love Him back more than anything or anyone else then they're not worthy of Him.

It is quite easy to know who or what we love more than Jesus and this is simply what we put before Him. It is the thing or person who we listen to and obey more than Him, that has our focus and attention. For example, if God ever asked you to walk away from someone or something, what or who would you struggle with in your obedience to His voice? If God has already asked you to walk away from something or someone but you haven't obeyed, it could be a sign that you love that thing or person more than you love Him. Many people go around saying they love Jesus, but He said that whoever loves Him keeps His words (Jn. 14:21,23). The highest form of expression of our love for Christ is obedience to His instructions. Whoever we obey most has our love and heart. If at all we also say He is our Lord and call Him thus, we have to keep His Word (Lk. 6:46-49).

 Jesus also said that not everyone Who says to Him, “Lord, Lord” shall enter the kingdom of His Father, but he who does the will of the Father (Matt. 7:21). In the last day many will say they prophesied, cast out demons and did many wonders in His name but He will deny them, as they never lived in the will of the Father and do what Jesus said (Matt. 7:22-27). If at all we call Him Lord and say we love Him, let our obedience show it.

Reflection:
Do you have any known area of disobedience in your life? Could it be that that is what or who you love more than Jesus? Can Jesus say that He has all your love and heart? Are you worthy of Jesus (based on our opening text)? 

Grace and peace to you!

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