Allegiance

The sermon this past Sunday morning (Allegiance in the Home) has stirred some positive attention.  The theme of the message was that God alone should have the allegiance of your love, service, obedience, etc. - even over other family members.  I used the examples of Abraham, Jacob, Joshua, many verses from Jesus, and the argument of I Cor. 7:15 to show this

There is another point from I Corinthians 7 that substantiates our allegiance to the Lord over family.  It is the point that Paul makes to encourage to stay "single" if possible at that time Christians .  He argues this in v.7-9, 25-26, 27-28, 32-35 from different angles.

Paul's argument to remain single is based upon two things:  persecution of the time and the ability to wholly dedicate oneself to serving the Lord. 

Here again is proof of allegiance to the Lord supremely.  Paul says in v. 35 to remain single if possible (both from virginity or if you are loosed from your spouse) so that "ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction."  He also makes clear  in this passage that marrying is certainly not sin.  He tells fathers that have virgin daughters in v. 37-38 that if they give them in marriage they do well,  but if they give them to serve the Lord as single women, "they do better."

These things may be hard for you to ingest.  They make the Lord our supreme allegiance, love, and interest even over marriage and family. 

May I ask you Christian, is the Lord your greatest love?  You would say yes - then I would counter your answer by asking is that true in the facts of the decisions you make with your time, thoughts, wallet, effort? 

How you  presently live your life shows what or WHO has your allegiance.  We must never neglect the love or our spouse or family; but we must find the balance of how to love them without jeopardizing the greater love of obedience, lordship, service, time, and worship of Christ.