"Are you Kidding?"

Over the years I have noticed people 'skimming' over parts of the scripture that really challenges them to be a follower of Christ. We always want it our way, and only want to give up the easy things, and not the hard things. Jesus speaks these tough but life changing words in Luke 14:26-27 "IF anyone was to comes to me and does not hate his father, mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-Yes, even his own life- he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does nto carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Wow! "Are you kidding me!" to those who have not truly surrendered their lives to Christ, this is the response. To all who have surrendered truly Christ it is fulfilling.

How do you respond to this passage. It is a little harsh isn't it? Immediately our brains think "Wow, He did not mean it literally." Jesus had just told them about heaven and about the great banquet. He was now informing them that it will come with a cost. He did not expect all of His disciples to go in the front door and say to their family members "I hate you all, I am now a disciple of Christ's and that is one of the conditions!" No, I believe He was forwarning them that their families would probably be their greatest distractions. In my life I have bore the pain of making a stand for Jesus over my family. I have wrestled with the Lord on what I am to do? I have spent hours crying alone at night because I made commitment to Christ, and my wife, kids and family members, hated me. I have friends desert me, and even congregation members I have loved, leave because of my uncompromising devotion to Christ. Hate? Strong word, but that is what one has to do to stay totaly in allegiance to Christ (I encourage you to pick up your Bible and read the rest of Luke 14:28-35 it really is good!) Our minds take it to the easy routes and say "Let's substitue another word for 'Hate.' The greek defines the word as 'A strong dislike.' Okay, to me it is the same thing. We have to dislike the things that come against God and try to take our focus off of Jesus, or the outcome can and will be eternal.

"Are you kidding?" I started off with this as the heading, and I will end with this in closing. "No, He was not kidding!" If we are to truly experience all that He has for us, then we are to always put Him above everything else, period. I love Jesus more than my wife and children, and that has afforded me to be the best husband, father, and now grandfather I can be. My focus is not on what is aorund me, or who is around me, it is, and always be on Jesus~