Love for family is taught in God’s word, and must be practiced. However, love for God must come first.

Satan will try to use anything or anyone to put a stumbling block before Christians. This should never be allowed to happen. When the occasion comes up where such a decision must be made, think about who is most important and remember, God must come first (Matthew 6:33).

The story is told that one Sunday morning, a daughter called her parents’ house and said, "Tell mother not to go to church service this morning; we are coming." However the mother went right on to Bible study and to worship service.

The daughter who had called was furious when she arrived and no one was home to meet her. She said, "I called you and told you that I was coming, and you went right on to church like we had not called."

To this the mother replied, "I am sorry dear, but you see, the Lord had already called."

Some may think how rude of the mother not to be there for her daughter. In the world, that may be a common thought. Yet others know why the mother chose God over her family.

Jesus said, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37).

How could Jesus be so callous? Surely God understands the love we mortals have for our families. The fact is he does understand how men love their families. It must be remembered however, that God has always demanded to be first. (Exodus 20).

Either religion is important to a person or it is not. Some might say, "Oh, religion is important to me, I just do not want to hurt my family’s feelings by leaving them by themselves. Besides, we do not see each other that often; God will understand."

One day a long time ago, God’s Son (his family) was beaten, spit upon, mocked and crucified. All this was done so man could have the salvation of his soul. It was real, not a fairy tale. The cross was wood, the nails metal, the agony was great.

Christians are the family of God. When one of his children puts others before him, it has to hurt his feelings.

The Hebrew writer wrote, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:25-31).

God lets everyone choose what they are going to do spiritually, He wants them to follow him, but man must decide who is most important.

Put God first above everything else. He is most important.