This is a companion piece to a post that appeared on my AJ the Irish Lass’ Ramblings blog, “Must Christians give up their families, possessions, and money to follow Christ?”
No, This is Not a “Crazy” Question
It’s often said that the only stupid question is one that’s never asked, and that holds true in this case. I’ve actually encountered people who have thought this was the case, making this issue one worth addressing, as ideas have consequences.
The people I encountered who felt this way had concluded that following Christ was pointless without living the lifestyle of itinerant “preachers,” renouncing their families, and giving up everything they owned. I’m sure it probably comes as no surprise that there had been unhealthy church involvement on both their parts.
Where the Heck Did They Get These Ideas, Anyway?
Matthew 16:24-25 WEB Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.”
Self-denial is about making God a priority, not shutting out everyone and everything else. Doing this can be a struggle, and each of us needs to decide for ourselves how to find this balance. We’ll be able to experience God’s blessings and love far more fully.
Matthew 10:37 WEB He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.
Please note that this is not a condemnation of the nuclear or extended family – far from it. I think it’s more of a prohibition against allowing others in our lives to disrupt how we live out our faith. Think about it this way: If followers of Christ weren’t to have families, why would there be instruction about our dealings with fellow family members elsewhere in the New Testament?
Matthew 19:21-26 WEB Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions. Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man…”
The problem with the young man wasn’t that he was rich in and of itself. Instead, it would be more accurate to say that his refusal to sacrifice any of his wealth was a problem. It’s not necessary to have any particular religious viewpoint to see how wrong it is for people to allow their wealth to rule them.
The Heart of the Matter
The extreme example that both of the people I referenced felt was necessary to follow is a major case for why Scripture-twisting is something to avoid. Listening to people who advocated this type of lifestyle without following it themselves shows why we need to use discernment in all our dealings.
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