One of the most challenging aspects of faith is realizing that sometimes, the greatest opposition comes not from strangers, but from those closest to us — our own family, friends, and community. Jesus warned about this when He said:

“A man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” - Matthew 10:36

At first glance, this may seem like a harsh statement. Isn’t Jesus the Prince of Peace? Why would following Him cause division? The truth is, while Jesus does bring peace to the hearts of those who believe in Him, His message is also one that confronts, challenges, and forces people to make a choice. And sometimes, that choice leads to conflict; even among loved ones.

Why Does Following Jesus Cause Division?

1. Faith in Christ Can Disrupt Family Dynamics

Many cultures place strong emphasis on family loyalty, traditions, and expectations. When someone decides to follow Christ, their newfound faith may challenge long-held family beliefs. This can lead to resentment, misunderstanding, or even outright rejection.

• In some families, faith is inherited rather than chosen. When a person steps out to develop a personal relationship with Christ, it may be seen as rebellion.
• Certain traditions or religious practices may conflict with biblical teachings, leading to tension.
• Family members may feel judged or believe the new believer is rejecting their way of life.

2. Spiritual Division Over Truth

Jesus made it clear that His message would not always be welcomed:

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” 
- Matthew 10:34

This “sword” is not one of violence, but of separation — between those who accept Him and those who do not. Faith in Christ calls for a life of righteousness, obedience, and sometimes, a break from past ways. Unfortunately, not everyone will understand or accept this change.

3. Loyalty to Christ Must Come First

Jesus emphasized that while family is important, our ultimate loyalty must be to Him:

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” 
- Matthew 10:37

This does not mean we should abandon our families or treat them with disrespect. Rather, it means that when forced to choose between obeying God and pleasing family, we must choose God. This can be difficult, but it is necessary for a life of faith.

How to Maneuver the Challenges of Following Jesus

1. Stand Firm in Your Faith

When faced with opposition from loved ones, it can be tempting to compromise or hide your beliefs to keep the peace. But Jesus calls us to stand firm.

• Be confident in your decision to follow Christ.
• Remember that your faith is not based on human approval, but on God’s truth.
• Expect challenges, but do not be discouraged—Jesus Himself faced rejection.

2. Show Love and Patience

It’s important to remember that your family and friends may not understand your faith journey immediately. Instead of responding with anger or frustration, practice patience and love.

• Continue to show kindness, even if they are hostile.
• Pray for them, asking God to soften their hearts.
• Let your life be a testimony—sometimes, actions speak louder than words.

3. Set Boundaries Without Cutting Ties

In some cases, standing firm in your faith may require setting boundaries, especially if family members try to pressure you into compromising your beliefs.

• Respectfully decline activities that go against your faith.
• Learn to say no while maintaining a loving relationship.
• Keep communication open, but do not let guilt manipulate your choices.

4. Find Strength in the Body of Christ

If your family rejects or misunderstands your faith, remember that you have a spiritual family — the church.

• Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and encourage you.
• Seek guidance from spiritual mentors or pastors.
• Lean on God’s promises, knowing He is always with you.

5. Keep Praying for Your Loved Ones

Even if your family initially rejects your faith, never stop praying for them. God can change hearts in His own time.

“With God, all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26

Pray that they will come to see the truth and experience the same joy and peace that you have found in Christ.

Inherited Faith vs. Chosen Faith: “As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord”

In the discussion of inherited versus chosen faith above, one scripture often comes to mind:

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 
- Joshua 24:15

This powerful declaration by Joshua suggests a strong commitment to inherited faith — one where a household is expected to follow God together. But does this contradict the idea of chosen faith? Can faith be both inherited and personally chosen?

Joshua’s Declaration: A Case for Inherited Faith

Joshua made this statement as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He challenged them to make a decision: Would they serve the God of their ancestors, or would they follow the false gods of surrounding nations?

By saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” Joshua was setting a standard for his family and household. He was making a commitment that they would follow God — not as individuals disconnected from one another, but as a united family.

This mirrors the way many Christian families raise their children today:

• Parents teach their children about God.
• Families pray, worship, and read scripture together.
• Religious values and traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

In this sense, inherited faith is not just a cultural practice, but a biblical principle. God desires for faith to be instilled in families so that each generation grows up knowing Him.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” 
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Does This Contradict Chosen Faith?

At first glance, Joshua’s declaration might seem to imply that faith is predetermined by family leadership rather than personally chosen. However, a closer look at the verse reveals an important truth:

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”

Joshua wasn’t forcing faith upon anyone. He was acknowledging that faith is always a choice. While he committed his household to serving the Lord, each member still had to personally embrace that commitment.

This aligns with the idea that faith can be both inherited and chosen:

Inherited Faith provides a foundation. Parents can pass down their beliefs, teach biblical values, and create an environment where faith is encouraged. However,

Chosen Faith is necessary for spiritual maturity. Each person must eventually decide for themselves whether they will follow God.

If inherited faith were enough on its own, the Israelites would never have fallen into idolatry. Despite being raised in a faith-centered nation, many Israelites later abandoned God. This proves that faith must go beyond tradition—it must become personal.

The Danger of Assuming Inherited Faith Is Enough

One of the biggest risks of inherited faith is assuming that being raised in a Christian home automatically means someone has a personal relationship with God.

1. Going to church because your family does does not mean you truly know God.
2. Praying because it’s part of your household routine does not mean your heart is in it.
3. Calling yourself a Christian because of family tradition does not mean you have surrendered to Christ.

This is why many young people raised in religious homes walk away from faith when they become adults. They were introduced to faith, but they never made it their own. They followed God outwardly but never chose Him inwardly.

How to Move from Inherited to Chosen Faith

If you’ve grown up in a Christian home, it’s important to examine whether your faith is truly yours or just something you inherited. Here’s how to make it personal:

1. Ask Yourself: Do I Believe This for Myself?

Take an honest look at your beliefs. Do you follow Christ because you know Him, or because it’s what you’ve always done?

• Read the Bible with fresh eyes.
• Seek to understand your faith beyond what you’ve been taught.
• Ask God to reveal Himself to you personally.

If faith has been handed to you, it’s time to take responsibility for it.

• Develop a personal prayer life, not just a family one.
• Seek answers to your spiritual questions.
• Make church participation your choice, not just your family’s habit.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Question

God is not afraid of your doubts. If you struggle with certain aspects of faith, bring those struggles to Him.

• Talk to mentors, pastors, or trusted believers.
• Explore your faith with an open but discerning heart.
• Seek truth, not just comfort.

4. Choose Whom You Will Serve

Like Joshua said, at some point, you must make a choice. Will you continue in faith because it’s been passed down, or will you choose it because you believe it?

Choosing faith doesn’t mean rejecting your family’s beliefs — it means embracing them with full conviction rather than obligation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to follow Jesus can come at a great personal cost, but the rewards are eternal. While family and friends may turn against you, Jesus promises:

“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” 
- Matthew 19:29

If you are facing rejection because of your faith, take heart. You are not alone. Stand firm, love deeply, and trust that God is working even in the midst of the conflict. Your faithfulness may one day lead your loved ones to Christ.

Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” highlights the importance of family faith. Parents have a responsibility to introduce their children to God, and a strong spiritual foundation is a gift. However, faith cannot remain inherited forever — it must be chosen.

If you were raised in faith, take the time to ensure it’s truly yours. If you are a parent, guide your children, but also pray that one day, they will choose Christ for themselves. The strongest faith is not merely passed down — it is personally embraced.

I pray that you find clarity, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of your faith through this post. May it spark meaningful reflections and conversations. 

What do you think? Did you inherit faith, choose it, or both?

Would you like to share your experience of following Jesus despite opposition? Share your thoughts and let’s encourage one another in the comments below!