It looks like the people in Jesus' time, Luke 14:25 - 15:7, were no different. He seemed to be the newest excitement on the scene and huge crowds were following. But have you ever heard a popular leader ever say ,"Wait a minute. Following me is going to cost you everything."? Jesus said you will need to give up your family, life, possessions (including money), and pick up a rough heavy cross to be His true follower. Not really a way to win friends and followers.
But the truth is Jesus wants disciples, not followers. Verse 33 says, "So then none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." He wants people ready to learn from Him as a disciple, instead of those just going along with the crowd.
Am I ready to give up in my heart whatever might be distracting me from hearing Him? As verse 33 says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear". It is the only way to really live free!
This dyiing to self and all that self holds dear is tough for anyone. And, the richer we are, the harder it becomes.
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