Wednesday, May 3 - Luke 14

Hatred

²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

   Using hyperbolic language, Jesus challenges His followers to determine what is of greatest importance to them -- what do they value most?  He is not suggesting that people ought hate their relatives for no reason at all, but rather that they cut themselves off from anything that jeopardizes their relationship to God -- even from those closest to them, if necessary.

   I think Jesus is voicing the idea that we can become so attached to the things and people of this world that we might travel with them even unto the point of compromising our integrity, our faith, our morals and values.  We need to constantly examine our actions and attitudes to see if some "surgery" is necessary to keep us walking in Jesus' path and not the world's.

   I recall a time in my own life when a number of my friends had decided to mistreat another student by constantly mocking him and talking behind his back.  As a friend of theirs, I wanted to join them in this behavior so that they would like me -- but as a follower of Christ I knew I was called to reach out to all in love and compassion.

   It wasn't easy to buck the crowd, and sometimes I failed.  But looking back on that experience I am glad to call that student my friend because I refused to do what my other friends determined to do. 

   What things or people in your life tug against the road that Christ is calling you to travel?  What areas of your life need a little "surgery" so that they are more in tune with God's plans and purposes?  May the Holy Spirit help you to take up your cross and follow Jesus.