We must either leap
over them, or tread upon them!
(Thomas Watson, "The
Christian Soldier" 1669)
"A man's enemies will be the members of his own household.
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not
worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more
than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take
his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." Matt. 10:36-38
Take heed of the snare in your family! It is one of the
Devil's great subtleties—to hinder us from piety by our
nearest relations—and to shoot us with our own rib!
He tempted Adam by his wife. Who would have suspected
the Devil there? He tempted Job by his wife, "Are you still
holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" Job 2:9
Thus would the Devil have cooled Job's love for God; but
the shield of his faith quenched this fiery dart!
Take heed of such tempters! It is better to go to Heaven
with their hatred—than to Hell with their love! If our
dearest friends and family lie in our way to Heaven—we
must either leap over them, or tread upon them!