“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.” – Dalai Lama

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Listen to my song “I Want to Follow You” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Luke 14:26

Jesus said, “If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”

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Once again Jesus is exaggerating to make a jolting point.

He obviously would not endorse hating your father and mother, or anyone else for that matter!

This is especially difficult for the fundamentalist who likes to take Jesus at the literal meaning of his words.

When Jesus said this, I’m sure it grabbed people’s attention.

The point is: Jesus wants dedicated followers.

He’s not interested in fans.

Jesus wants us to make following his ways our highest priority, ahead of family and our egos’ desires.

He also knows that that will cause us to do and say things that will bring us into conflict with our parents, family, and friends.

It will cause us to re-examine everything: our jobs, how we vote, how we shop, and how we speak.

To follow Jesus, we would have to reflect his main teachings in how we live our lives.

“’For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me’” (Matthew 25:35-36).

Look at the Beatitudes which among other things state: “Blessed are the merciful” and “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:3-12).

Obviously, being a disciple of Jesus takes much courage and determination.

May we all accept the call!

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Listen to the song of the day “I Want to Follow You” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!