Don't Let Idolatry of Family Stop Your Destiny

There is obviously no end to the extensive list of things that people can worship. Not just the usual norms like drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, food, gambling, sex, shopping, and exercise; but other, less outwardly visible idols like approval of others, being right, and drama. Anything we go to other than God in order to feel better, only hurts us; but a difficult and very often vice for believers, is their parents or family.

Families and churches we've been sent to have accused my family and I of bringing a spirit of division. This is true; they've just lacked discernment on the type of division. Romans 16 is about those who come to wreak havoc on the gospel of grace. Corinthians is full of a carnal church operating in strife and contentions. However, one of the mandates of our family is to bring the kind of division that Jesus brought in Luke 12:51 & 53 "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Matthew 10:37 tells us "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." 

The Lord said to me that for many who actually have a genuine heart to follow Him; they often don't wholeheartedly do so because it's too hard for them to leave their family. Many feel bad, guilty, or as if they owe some sort of payback for their past; but Holy Spirit also revealed to me that in most of these cases, there are spirits of manipulation operating. They've often been controlling family members for years, so the soul tie has become stronger than the faith of the person needing to leave.

Why Do I Need to Leave My Family to Follow Jesus? 

Not everyone choosing to follow Christ at all costs is required to leave their parents, children or family. It has however, become necessary for many because of the degrees of resistance; not wanting to face the possibility. Jesus brought division in families to separate those who want Him from those who don't (John 9). When you have someone hardcore serious about following the Lord; there's potential for a rift, and those who want more of God will be held back in bondage by those who don't. This even includes spouses; your marriage to Christ comes before your earthly spouse. God wants NO ONE above Him. Only He can fulfill your life in every way; choosing to rebel against Him will inevitably lead to your destruction.

This degree of sacrifice isn't understood by everyone because too many aren't walking in the spirit, so their spiritual senses are dull. You have to get this truth in the spirit; it's one of the main reasons why believers don't reach their full potential. Some of you here are in this position; you've been following Christ and you want what He has for you, but fear and manipulation have trapped you. You're settling; you're not living in purpose, and you know it, you feel it. You feel the pull that you're called to greater things; you know there is so much more because you've already gotten a little taste. Sometimes you feel like a race horse stuck in a gate that won't open!

There's More, and You Know It
The Lord wants to heal you; but He's even bigger than that. He wants you far beyond tolerating your family; He wants you free from the toxic relationships that are hindering your faith walk. You owe your family no debt, but to love them; sometimes love means letting them choose what they want to choose, even if that means they choose it without you. Do you want ALL God has for you? I encourage you to cry out to the Lord and seek Him; He will show you. Be prepared to be drawn harder than you ever have before!

RESOURCES

Difference Between God Ordained Suffering vs Consequences of Your Choices

Don't Get Stuck in the Trial

Why Not Every Believer is a Co-Heir with Christ
Are You Afraid?