By: Gen. Jim — 6/12/19
Luke 14:25-35 relates to us the cast of discipleship. We’ve taken the words “disciple”/”discipleship” far too casual these days. We think just “believing is receiving,” our discipleship certificate without actually earning it. No, I’m not saying we work for salvation. What I am saying is that once we receive that free gift (Romans 6:23), God expects us to work at bringing forth fruitfulness in our lives.
The first thing Jesus dealt with in His teachings to the crowds was that of the family: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (love less) his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” What? Hate? I have done many articles/teachings on this particular “cost,” so I won’t go into any detail on it except to let you know that God/Son MUST be first and foremost in our lives (see Matthew 10:34-36), where Jesus says family members will be foes to the Christian who tries to follow Christ all the way. Of course there are exceptions as usual. Jesus states infatically that “He who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (v.37).
The second thing on His list of “costs” was, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (v.38).
The “family” many times becomes the “cross” in the believers’ lives. I could write books along these lines. We, as a ministry, have suffered terrorizing persecutions over the years from family members whose sons/daughters joined with us in Operation Separation.
Jesus was not one to play the family game, He was interested in the true family of God, those born-again believers who had believed and received salvation.
We usually think in terms of personal relationships and earthly possessions as being more important – Jesus is second in order.
When Jesus advocated “whole,” He wasn’t advocating animosity. He was emphasizing a lasting commitment with Him and His eternal kingdom. The cross symbolized death to “self,” a willingness to die in order to remain faithfully alive in and to Him. As far as possessions are concerned – stuff-and things we’re merely stewards of whatever the Lord has entrusted to us. This too often turns into idolatry/greed.
The straight and narrow way is just that! Not much room for moving about all over the place in a worldly sense.