Are You Part of the In Crowd?
I’ve actually never been part of the “in” crowd. When I was young it used to bother me. It doesn’t any more. I value walking to the beat of my own drum. I like making my own evaluations and determinations about my life and actions.
Not that I don’t like having friends! I have several incredible friends. I do have a few friends I made in high school! They knew me back then and still befriended me — and have stayed my friend for decades! It’s taken me a lifetime to find “current” friends who I have no doubt about — never question their motive, intentions or how they feel about me!
So you might find it odd that this morning I grew to understand and embrace this seemingly cruel and counterintuitive statement from Jesus. I won’t bore you with the historical context, but He was intentional about the statements to those whom He addressed.
“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” (Luke 14:26 NIV)
And actually, the admonishment is timeless! It resonates today as much as it did 2000 years ago! Of course Jesus isn’t telling us we must hate our parents, spouse, children — and even our own life! He is saying we must love HIM first. And above all else!
How is this possible? I can’t imagine being more in love with my grand daughter than I am right now! How could I ever NOT love her!? By alloiwng Him to love her first/ more/ better than I ever could imagine! And He loves me that much too. And He loves you that much!
“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:14–21 NLT).
Now THAT is a crowd I want to be in: the one who loves God more than anything — or anyone else!
You can find me on line here: linktr.ee/themarymoss
