In Matthew 10:37-39 (KJV) we read that Jesus said: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And HE THAT TAKETH NOT HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOWETH AFTER ME, IS NOT WORTHY OF ME.
He that findeth his life shall LOSE IT: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall FIND IT.
Jesus clarifies here the words we read in Deuteronomy 6:5 in the Old Testament.
“You shall LOVE THE LORD your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your might.”
When you REALLY love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your might, there can be NOTHING in your life that you love more!
Not even your own father, mother, son or daughter. And absolutely no material possessions.
This also leaves absolutely no room for the self centered, so called “prosperity gospel” that completely focuses on HEALTH AND WEALTH blessings.
Some of the followers in those churches seem to think that following Jesus means “RECEIVING”.
If you are sick, or if you are not rich, there must be SOMETHING WRONG with your faith.
Jesus however tells us something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. He talks about taking up YOUR CROSS and about FOLLOWING Him. And NOT about living in luxury.
If you are NOT willing to follow Him this way, Jesus says: you are NOT WORTHY OF HIM!
And He added that He that findeth his life shall LOSE IT: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall FIND IT.
So when you think you have found your healthy and luxurious life, and lifestyle, and you’re judging other people’s faith for not having that, YOU WILL END UP LOSING IT ALL IN THE END.
You may even get to hear those terrible words “I DON’T KNOW YOU; GO AWAY FROM ME”.
So brothers and sisters TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW HIM!
About Author
I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR. NO TURNING BACK, SO HELP ME LORD. AMEN.