In Luke 14:25-35 we catch a glimpse of what Jesus wanted people to understand, if they were going to follow Him. He wanted them to know up front what it meant to make that decision, and to not take it lightly. Great multitudes went with Him, and He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” He goes on to tell us that we must consider the cost, and in verse 33 says, “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned ? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dung hill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” This passage does not mean that we are to “hate” our loved ones. It means that they aren’t given the place of being first in our hearts, and when it comes right down to it, we will gladly forsake those relationships if they would cause us to give up the first love that belongs to Jesus alone.
Then we see the life of the disciples as they grew together as the body of Christ. For a glimpse at this way of life, we can see in Acts 2:40-47, Peter’s exhortation to the early church, telling them to be saved from this perverse generation. On this particular day, those who gladly received His word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added to them. They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers. As we read this passage, we can see that they were glad, having simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.
As I have been growing in God’s word, I have come to realize that He never contradicts Himself. There is nowhere in scripture where one place does not line up with another. Yet, in looking at these two passages, you might think that they don’t come into agreement. On one hand, we’re admonished to leave everything and everyone to follow Christ, and on the other, we’re told to gather together in fellowship, having all things in common, sell our possessions and goods, and divide them among all, as anyone has need.
I’m convinced that the balance of Truth lies in how intimate we are with ALL of who God is as our Father; Jesus, as our lover; and Holy Spirit as our counselor and guide. When I am one hundred percent in Him, forsaking all, taking up my cross, following Him, I will become whatever His precious body of other believers need as we grow together to become more like Him. All of my needs are fully satisfied in and through Him, and I can become an instrument of His love, joy, and peace through Holy Spirit. He gives me the ability to comfort those who need it, with the same comfort I myself have received from Him. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) Jesus spent quality time in making disciples. God will make it plain…whom , when, where, what, and how we are to minister to others; it’s not something that we can conjure up or guilt ourselves into, but we are led by Holy Spirit, when we silence the lies of the enemy. Satan and all of his demons are the ones who bring condemnation, judgmental spirit, confusion, compromise, distraction, complacency, complaining, back biting, jealousy, bitterness, self pity, pride, and every other divisive spirit, trying to tear down Christ’s body. Whatever He has given you to do, and wherever He has you to be, do it all heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:1-17, 23-24)
Good post.