In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. (Luk 14:33 NIV)
This verse was the theme of our SELTC Convention this year. More than a theme, it is an essential principle in living a faithful life.
The context is about the importance of giving serious consideration to the seriousness of deciding to follow Jesus. It is not a decision to be made flippantly. Following Jesus impacts all of life and so does this principle.
The promises of a marriage vow, “forsaking all others, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or health,” all declare the couple’s oath of intention to give themselves up for the other.
I know a person who cannot hold a job because he only works when he wants to. He sees no sense in giving himself up.
Jesus, our Creator and Judge, demands to be above all else in our life. The good news is that following His will in all of our life makes us the best we can be in every area of our life and in every relationship in our life.
Devotion to Jesus means giving up my will to submit to His will. It is so much more than a slogan on a T-shirt.