But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
(Ephesians 4.15 NRSV)
Throughout the Gospels we find large crowds of people gathered around Jesus. Many were curious about him. They wanted to see him and hear him. He was the talk of many villages--a celebrity, if you will. Though the crowds who gathered around him were enthusiastic, Jesus wondered if they were really willing to follow him.

He said to them: "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple." That's harsh. Uncomfortable. Jesus wanted the people to understand that being a disciple demanded their whole life--not just the times when it was convenient.

It was like the old ad they used to run for Pony Express riders: "DUTY IS HAZARDOUS, ORPHANS PREFERRED." Jesus wanted people to understand what they were getting into.

Are you fulfilling the challenges of being a Christian?

God of love, help me to move out of my comfort zone, so that I may effectively share your love. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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