Luke 14:25-34
“… In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
“All to Jesus I surrender” we sing in the old hymn. Alas, it is not that easy. Even in the midst of this global financial instability the words of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke ring loudly and uncomfortably. In the West we are a “consumer” culture. It is part of what defines the western lifestyle. We are a “thing” culture and we measure people by their wealth and “things”.
Jesus turns this on its head. A relationship and life in him is all that counts; is all that matters. However, we have grown up “thing oriented”. For us it is a tough call … The line “it easier for a camel …” echoes uncomfortably in our heads.
As I write this, my computer, iPad and cameras sit on my desk accusingly. My desk attests to the things in my life and they are just the beginning.
Faith requires not just belief in the person of Jesus but also the desire to follow him and forego all for him. “All to Jesus …”
My prayer, “Jesus, help me to follow you unencumbered.”
PS. Over the next few weeks this is an issue that I want to return to. I don’t know about you, but it bothers me.
Travels from Ur 