“Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 (The Message)
“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33 (NKJV)
“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 (NIV)
“So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.” Luke 14:33 (NLT)
No matter which version you might choose, this verse is a difficult one. At least it is for me.
I have things, plans, and people that I like very much. But as much as I might like them, love them, they must not have first place in my heart.
Let me give you a very personal example of this. I have hoped and prayed for so long that we would have the opportunity to move back to the West Coast to be near our family. I cannot tell you how much I have longed for that. God has obviously not answered that prayer in the way that I have wanted. As I read this verse again, I sensed that gentle nudge. “Are you willing to give it up?” “Are you willing to have a good attitude about My choice to keep you where you’re at?” Honestly, I’m still working through the answers to those two questions.
How about you? Are there things, plans, etc. that you need to give up, forsake, or kiss goodbye that hold a higher place in your heart than they should?
May your week be truly blessed by the One who has so much good in mind for you!
(I’m linking this post up at The Wednesday Word. Come check out other encouraging Words!)
I’m 100% with you on this one sister…one of the hardest lessons of my life so far. Love you!
Hard indeed!! I grew up in a missionary family and this decision was made for me for my growing up years. We are looking at making this decision now for our family, to move very far away and leave behind my newly found life with my parents after they have retired from missions recently. We JUST got reunited after 18 years, my kids JUST got to experience grandparents for the first time…hard indeed!
Thanks for linking up with The Wednesday Word! 🙂
We have been on the mission field for six years and we are still learning about making sacrifices in different areas of life. Great post! Thank you.
How I can so relate to this! I think those of us who have lived overseas, or across the country, from our families see a verse like this in a very “hands on” way. God will honor you for your obedience to him. Blessings to you!
How I can so relate to this! I think those of us who have lived overseas, or across the country, from our families see a verse like this in a very “hands on” way. God will honor you for your obedience to him. Blessings to you!