Should one place 'family first' before ministering to other people?
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Asked September 08 2014
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Kelly Collazos
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Ezekiel Kimosop
There should be a healthy balance between the demands of ministry and our responsibility to our families. Whereas it is our duty to obey the Great Commission and respond to the call to serve the Lord, this should not come at the cost of abandoning our families. Jesus criticized the religious leaders of his day for condoning the teaching that one can declare a portion of his wealth or income as holy to God while his family lived in need. Serving God, however, does come with sacrifices or inconveniences that our families will experience to some extent. God requires of us that we love Jesus more than we can love our family or even our own lives. Jesus taught that His followers must be ready to suffer persecutions for His sake but He certainly never taught they we ignore our duty to fend for our families. Some false teachers teach that believers are to separate themselves from their unbelieving families or spouses, causing marriages and homes to break. Others demand some special pilgrimages that separate families for long periods, causing them to suffer. These are unbiblical practices. We can obey God and at the same time care for our families. Both demands are biblical and should find an equilibrium.
Judy Loiterton
I was always taught that God has an order and I believe it too be right according to the whole Word of God. Relationship with God first: relationship with spouse second: family third and ministry last. All ministry comes outof these first three being right. If these first three are not right then your ministry will not be either!
Thomas K M
Godliness in the family is of fundamental importance. There should be a good husband - wife relationship. Those who are dedicated to do full-time ministry should not forget the responsibilities of their family. There should be a mutual love and respect to bring up their children in the ways of God. God never said anywhere in the Bible that one should do full-time ministry ignoring the responsibilities of ones family.
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