Bible Reading: 2 Sam. 3, 4 & 5. Luke 14: 18-35.
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:26 (KJV)
Being a disciple of Christ requires discipline. First, the rules, traditions, culture or family should never prevail above the love of Christ. Different people have different rules and cultures particularly those of African origin. It is important to note that once you decided to be a disciple of Christ you should put the love of Christ above everything else. Thus where there is any culture contrary to the precepts of Christ, the latter should prevail. This is why Jesus says in Luke 14:27 (KJV), “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
Secondly, you should never sell out or compromise under family pressure. As a disciple, you do not compromise your faith because of your parent, spouse or children. This means you should let your family members know your faith and your stand on any issue pertaining to it. There will be temptations but there will always be ways of escape from such once you make up your mind to put the love of Christ above everything else.
You should also know that discipleship without cost is not known to Christ. That is why Jesus said in Luke 14:26 (KJV), “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”
The hatred stated in Luke 14:26 is not intense or passionate dislike as Jesus summarized the ten commandments as love for God and humanity. So he cannot be preaching hatred. Rather, he means less love. Thus it means loving Jesus above all family members and yourself! You should therefore be ready to surrender even your flesh to be a disciple of Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 18:8 (KJV), “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.” So putting Jesus first in every area of our lives is necessary to be a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father help me to put you first in everything that I do in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero