Creating Friction

If you are going to follow Christ, it will create friction in some of your relationships. Jesus made a very radical statement on this subject: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household’ ” (Matthew 10:34–36).

We may think the Lord came to bring harmony so we can all get along. Ultimately, that is true. But temporarily, it may bring division.

As a Christian, you will face opposition. You will create friction. People will laugh at you. They will get upset with you. When they are telling a dirty joke and you walk in just as they are getting to the punch line, you spoil all their fun, because the joke will need to be continued later.

You bring friction, but it is a good friction. Unbelievers are becoming aware of their lack of relationship with God. And it is your commitment to Him that is causing that. Ultimately, that temporary friction can bring about the ultimate unity when the unbelievers in your life put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus was saying, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I’m telling you that I have come to bring strife and division.” Sometimes this means saying goodbye to friends. It means saying goodbye to things that would hold you back. It means no longer straddling the fence and trying to get along with everyone. It means that you can’t live in two worlds.