34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:34-39

This passage is the final “caution” about becoming a follower of Christ. It’s one thing to be persecuted from outsiders, but within families could be too much for people. It’s not an absolute that family members would oppose conversion, but rather a real possibility.

Those of us who come from families that accept and embrace conversion are indeed blessed.

To those who haven’t experienced such encouragement from their biological families because of their conversions, the local church should be acting like a family (including struggles and lengthy discussions about important and not-so-important matters).

I have fond memories of church activities in Alaska after I was saved in the mid-80s. Leadership put me to work in various ministries and I threw myself into the work. While I did have a supporting family back “home”, home was 3000 miles away in Pennsylvania.

It was there in Alaska that I, as the Bible says, “lost my life for His sake.”

There is a leap of faith, to be sure, but once you’ve “crossed over,” you don’t want to go back to your former life.

And the older you get, the more you realize the muck and mire God plucked you out of and saved you from.

Rejoice in your salvation today.

And every day.