Luke 14:33

"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:33


This seems like a pretty harsh scripture, standing all alone and out of context like that.  I think though, that it makes a statement that we would do well to consider.  So often in our lives we think of discipleship as kind of a side project that we can take on as soon as we get all of our stuff done, or our lives in order, or whatever it is that we need to do first. :)  And we are willing to give our wills to God, except we'll give up this one habit last, or we'll keep this one desire for sin... won't do it, of course, but who can't be faulted for *wanting* it?  ... and so on.
As C. S. Lewis said, "If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell."  ... I think that is what we do a lot of the time... try to keep souvenirs of Hell. :)  And this verse is telling us that we just can't.  We have to give everything... change every part of us.  Become WHOLLY converted, every tiny bit of us, or we can't be God's disciples.  Not that it all has to be all done at once, but in the end, it all goes.  ... Yes, even that. :)  Because we're becoming new creatures.  Because our commitment to God has to reach all the way to the center of our souls.  Because there is no way we will ever get there unless we are willing to give everything for Him.  Today, let's work on deepening and strengthening our commitment to God.  Let's throw out those dusty souvenirs, and get past our reservations, and be God's people... one hundred percent.