A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver [Proverbs 25v11]
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Jesus laid out the condition in Luke 14v26: “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”. The word hate is ugly and destructive so it is surprising that Jesus should use such a word. This also seems a contradiction of one of the 10 commandments which is to honour your father and mother. And what about the great commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves and the parable of the Good Samaritan? God’s Word doesn’t contradict itself so all these verses must be true. The confusion is because the word translated hate here means TO PREFER LESS in the original Greek. In other words, to be a disciple of Jesus Christ means we must give Him the pre-eminence over everything and every person we hold dear. We then discover that because we love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul and seek to make Him Lord of our lives, the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable us to honour our parents in a greater measure than before. We will also find we have a greater love for our family and friends. Some people believe that one must hate oneself to be spiritual, but that is not true or else the second commandment to love others as yourself makes no sense.
True disciples should be caring for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being, but ever mindful of 1 Timothy 4v8: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come”. If we get the balance right, we will be able to make more disciples by our example in word and action. Just before He ascended to heaven, Christ left His last instruction to His disciples: “Go make disciples of all men and women”. It isn’t an option it is a command, but we can only fulfill it if we are true disciples and have made Him Lord of all of our lives in mind, soul and heart.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood