Jesus talks about service in the reading for today from Luke 9, and Chambers follows up that reading with:
"We put our sense of loyalty to our relatives ahead of our loyalty to Jesus Christ, forcing Him to take last place. When your loyalties conflict, always obey Jesus Christ whatever the cost."
My primary loyalty is to Jesus, but what do I do when other loyalties conflict? When it is a question of "Jesus wants me to do this, and my spouse wants me to do that", and those wants conflict, then the right choice is Jesus. But how far does that go?
God, through His Word, gives admonitions to husbands and fathers, to care for the ones he is responsible for. That is a big job, and, if it is done right, takes a lot of energy, thought and time. God gives this role a primary spot in my life.
God also gives the man the role of spiritual leadership in the home, and, perhaps, that role is best lived out as he obeys the leadership of Christ in his life. He is to be an example of what following Jesus really is about.
As human beings, we are all jealous for the time and attention of the ones we love, and sometimes it is this trait that gives conflict in following a call of God. Can this be a bone of contention in the household? Sure, but it does not have to be.
God wants the best for each person in that family relationship, and His will is that all love and serve Him first. With the right priority, that service will spill over into the other facets of my life, and all will be blessed.
It is not a question of either/or. Putting God first is a win/win for everyone.
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