Sacrifice and Priorities

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: LUKE 14: 25-33 (MESSAGE)

One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.

Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’

Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?

Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.

Have you ever had to make a sacrifice for someone or something?  Maybe you have sacrificed time for yourself for a project at work. Perhaps you have made a sacrifice of moving up in your company so that you could spend time with your family. Maybe you have sacrificed both time and money in order to secure your family’s future.  We all make sacrifices at times according to our priorities.

Today Jesus says that the kingdom of God with the message of limitless grace and unconditional love should be at the top of our list of priorities even if that means sacrificing our comfortable lives, our children’s sports schedules or our climb up the corporate ladder.  What does this mean for us?  Have we made our faith a priority?  Are we willing to sacrifice so that we can participate in God’s kingdom?  Can we follow Christ without estimating the costs?  Jesus doesn’t want us to follow if we can in join all the way.  He wants us to think about it and make a commitment -- one that will require sacrifice.  Can we do this?  Will we do this?

Please join us this Sunday, September 8 at 10:00am in Christ Church as we unpack some difficult lessons while participating in a progressive worship service.  Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared for the extraordinary. Looking forward to seeing you in Church!