“One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, ‘Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self! —can’t be my disciple…’” (Luke 14:25-26, MSG).

Two men I pray for regularly were in deep need for support. One was homeless, and the other needed both groceries and a friend. Both needed to draw closer to Christ. God led me to use a Saturday to help them in their needs. I promised to be home by 3 p.m. to get the chickens on the Egg for family dinner. I didn’t quite make the time promised, but I called my wife on the way home, and it hit me like a two-by-four. She had been alone all day without me or my help when I was out seeking to do God’s will.

Those who sincerely follow Christ see their lives as missional, not self-serving. They seek God’s will for destination and relations each day, for His glory, not theirs.

When they do so, they do not serve in a vacuum.

Whether it be family, or friends, or church, or others who need them, when Christians follow the Lord’s command to complete a mission, they must let go of someone they love.

When I spent all day helping the two in need, I left my wife alone.

How do we deal with the sacrifice that others must make if we know we must leave them to do God’s will?

1. Accept it. Jesus was very clear to whom we offer our first allegiance.
2. Acknowledge it. Be sure those we love know we are grateful for their sacrifice.
3. Share it. Seek to find ways for them to be part of our mission.
4. Make up for it. As we take time away from them for others, steal a bit of time from ourselves for them.
5. Offer the same. Their mission under God is as valuable as ours. Ask them how we might help in their mission from God, either by working with them or accepting our loss when they are serving.

Dear Father,

Let me never choose my family or others over you, but let me always love and care for them within the boundaries of your mission.

Amen