Called to Hate?
Who hasn't told their parents they hate them at least once in their lives?
Did you really mean it?
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. - Luke 14:26
This has to be one of the most disturbing quotes attributed to Jesus. Could he really want his disciples to hate their parents and even life itself?
It certainly is a great opening line to get my attention. I want to know where he is going with this.
Where he goes is to tell them a parable about a man who wants to build a tower, but he doesn't plan it all out first, so he runs out of money.
He also uses the example of a king who needs to draw up a battle plan before waging war. It just makes sense, right?
A modern day equivalent might be to start a business without a business plan. It is something we might do. We think we have a great idea and that it will work, but the reality is it is hard work and without a plan we will fail.
It's more than having a plan, though. He is talking about being all in, being committed.
To leave everything behind and follow him would be perceived as abandoning one's family, parents, inheritance. How would one's parents feel?
I know when I went off on my own, I had a huge argument with my father and I stormed out. We didn't talk for a long time. I am sure he thought I hated him.
I wasn't hating him. I was loving my path more.
It is clear that Jesus wanted his disciples to love their ministry more than everything and everyone else.
Today we find ourselves conflicted at times, having a strong pull or push from God to do something that takes us away from family and friends. It is a hard juggling act, and whenever we put anything above our family we run the risk of hurting them, making them feel unloved or less loved.
Jesus tells us we have to be prepared for that. It goes with the job, or the call.
We aren't being called to hate, but instead are being called into a greater love, and that can mean others have to make sacrifices as well.
When I find myself called to serve and it keeps me away from everything from household chores to family outings, I know it has an impact on my family, and I can't expect them to understand. I don't always know how long a meeting with someone in need will take.
I guess the lesson for me is one of planning ahead, letting everyone know I probably won't make it home when I would like to be home. Yes, that is disappointing to hear, but it is less painful than setting expectations I don't meet.
More to come...
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