“The end of life is to be like God, and the soul following God will be like him.” -Socrates

Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” 

-Luke 14:26 NASB 

You cannot make and teach disciples if you think it is optional. 

Jesus wasn’t saying, “I won’t let you follow me.” More like, “You can’t cut it if discipleship is one of the electives in life.” 

‘Follow’ means leaving life familiar– the desires, the luxury, the sinful habits, and sometimes loved ones. 

A.W Tozer stated, “…that salvation apart from obedience is unknown in the sacred scripture.”(I Call It Heresy, Christian Publications, 1974, p. 5f)

Dallas Willard put it a bit more bluntly, calling those who were not interested in obedience “vampire Christians.” “I’d like a little of your blood, please. I don’t care to be your student or have your character. In fact, won’t you just excuse me while I get on with my life, and I’ll see you in heaven.” (paraphrased from The Great Omission) 

We must be willing to depart from all that which is very dear if it separates us from Christ. Our comfort and satisfaction are swallowed up in love for Jesus. 

Excuse me, I must get on with discipleship. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

Send your Holy Spirit to guide us as obedient disciples. Teach us to share the gift of salvation. Amen