Choose

Sometimes, Jesus says stuff that just makes me mad. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes even his own life - he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Come on, Lord, do you really mean that? I have to make that kind of choice? You know, I never realized I could love so much. My wife is my life. My boys are my life. My family is my life. Why would Christ demand so much? One commentator called Jesus' statement hyperbole. Another said that it is figurative language for "choosing one over another." I call it faith - raw, unadulterated, genuine faith. When Jesus was presented in the temple, Simeon said this of Jesus, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." It reminds me of a young lady in Carthage in the early church. She was condemned to die because she was a Christian - but she was pregnant and the law would not allow a pregnant woman to be executed. She remained in prison until her child was born, she gave him away, and boldly went to her death. Legend has it that she guided the executioner's sword to her own neck. That's the kind of Christian I want to be. The kind that will choose Christ over everything - and everyone. Christ demands it all. What kind of Christian are you - but, what kind do you want to be? That takes faith.