"I came to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism to receive, and how distressed I am until it is over! Do you suppose that I came to bring peace to the world? No, not peace, but division. From now on a family of five will be divided, three against two and two again three. Fathers will be against their sons, and sons against their fathers; mothers will be against their daughters, and daughters against their mothers; mothers-in-law will be against their daughters-in-law, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law."

Luke 12:49-53

A call for a decision is a cause for division. Choice involves change, and change makes some people uncomfortable. Jesus told us that a decision to follow Him would mean changes in relationship. Your friends or family may misunderstand you after you start living for Christ. Some may accuse you of thinking you are too good for them. Others may shun you. In that way, Jesus is a divider of families, friends and co-workers. It will hurt to be ridiculed or rejected by those close to you, but Jesus said it would happen. Christ is a divider of people, but you are united with Him, and He will never leave you.

When we walk with the LORD,

We will be out of step with the world.

Our Daily Bread – August 26, 2002