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God comes first

Gospel
Matthew 10:34-11:1
It is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth: it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be those of his own household.
    ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
    ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.
    ‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.
    ‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’
    When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples he moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns.

Reflection
What does God come first means? The life of a Christian should be characterized by moment-by-moment selfless service to God that flows from love for Him and His people. That is what it means to put God first. Any wealth that comes our way should be used to generously give (Mark 10:21). Any success, influence, or talents that we have should be used to multiply Christ’s influence  and any strength or health we enjoy should be spent in His service . Does God come first in your life?

Let us pray
Lord Jesus may you always be at the centre of my life in whatever I do say and feel.

Amen


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