Wounds That Heal – Count The Cost

Wounds That Heal – Count The Cost seems like a reasonable request from our God.  Shouldn’t we consider what it will take to become a Christian?  It’s not crazy to think about what God will be asking us to give up as we march through life under his grace.

A Little Harsh?

26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life— such as person cannot be my disciple. Whah? A little strong – Jesus, don’t you think? Nope, it’s real. Real hatred. Not malicious, evil – but Jesus is talking about a renouncement of all natural affection.

Behind me, Satan!

An example would be when Jesus called Peter, Satan. A little strong!? NOPE, Peter tried to talk Jesus out of going to Jerusalem and dying for the sins of the world. Peter didn’t have in mind the things of God but the things of men. Jesus said repeatedly, throughout his ministry, my kingdom is not of this world. Jesus didn’t kick Peter out of the 12 disciples group, but that was a harsh rebuke. So also – Jesus doesn’t want you to be filled with bitter hatred toward your family – yes, even your own life. If they are pulling you away from your God, he wants you to hate that part.

Time to Kick Off

A great example is the NFL. In a couple weeks it will be Kick Off Sunday. I know too many people who can’t stay for Bible class or even attend worship because their favorite team is playing. I won’t say it’s wrong to take a Sunday and go do something fun, but to despise the means of grace consistently for any reason is sinful.

Very quickly as you think into the various corners of your life what God wants you to hate – the cost is HUGE! This means a change in my friends, I can’t change my family, but maybe how I interact with them. My life?! What personal habits do you have that need to be changed. Yes which ones will you hate?

Want to hear more?  Watch this week’s message taken from Luke 14, Wounds That Heal – Count The Cost.