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How do I know whether I am a disciple or a follower?

Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything, he cannot be my disciple. Discipleship and following are different. Anyone can be a follower. But a disciple, prioritises. For a follower, it is convenience. He may or may not. He will join the meeting online, if the situations are cordial, with camera switched off and then do other things simultaneously as well. A disciple listens with intend, takes note, rerevises it, desiring to practise it. A follower is irregularly irregular in attendance. A disciple longs and plans to listen to the word. A follower may or may not obey, depending on convenience. A disciple's only option is to obey. Why do you pursue Jesus? Is it as if He is the only way to meaningful and purposeful living? Or is He one of the way? Are there other ways of entertainment and responsibilities which would weigh more in your life as compared to this God? Would you take the convenient route or the more beautiful and fruitful route of ...
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Fade into oblivion

Luke:14:11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. This example that Jesus quoted has challenged me since childhood. To not to take up seats of honour, lest you would be embarassed and humiliated. But to take up seats of less honour, that you would be honoured by the host later. It is man's tendency to project himself. To take up honour for your own. But to keep it aside, to stay low profile so that others are honoured more, is a great thing. Others might not know it, neither would they know you. You may fade into oblivion just like that. As if you never existed. Without being noticed or honoured. But that is absolutely fine, as God sees it.  1Pet:5:6 So humble yourself under the mighty power of God and at the right time, He will lift you up in honour. But most of us focus on being lifted up in due time in honour. That becomes the motivation to humble ourselves. That is not true humbling. Is the desire to be lifted...

One more chance

Karun Nair, Indian cricketer was unduly kept away from Indian cricket team. Though he scored runs in international and domestic circuit. This was a viral post of his in 2022. After which he scored piles of runs in domestic circuit and in the IPL. Finally he was given a chance to represent team India again. Inspiring stuff. Give it one more chance. Lk:13:6 Jesus the intercessory keeps on asking for one more chance for you. Those that do not bear fruit are expected to be cut down. V:5 reaffirms by saying - No and I tell you again and again that unless you repent you will perish too. Sin is not something which a holy God can accommodate with. Bearing fruit is what you think as a higher level of Christianity. But not bearing fruit is actually sin. Because that is the purpose of the plant. If you don't love your neighbour, if you do not have joy despite all your circumstances, if you do not have peace that passes all circumstances , if you are impatient and short tempered, i...

What gives God immense Joy?

Luke 12:32 So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father, great happiness to give you the kingdom. Father's joy is to give you the kingdom. Undeserving as we were. Rebels as we were. Yet given. That is grace.  And God doesn't give it unwillingly. But with great joy. God gives His full heart when He gives you the Kingdom. Do we?  Image credit: meta ai

Be rich

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life. - Jesus Which is why?  Luke:12:21 describes the reason. Yes a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth, but not have a rich relationship with God. Focussing on the temporary, focussing on the things which will vanish. Focussing on the things which might blip. Then you worry. But if we focus on the things which is eternal. If we focus on things which would have lasting values. Then you know that God who is eternal All Powerful is your Father. He will take care. That is trust. It is faith that you believe that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ. It is trust that you believe that All things work for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteous. And all these things shall be added to you. Image credit: https://create.vista.com/photos/gold-jesus-christ/

Outside vs inside

When Jesus was addressing the 6 "what sorrow awaits you" glimpses in Luke 11, He was dealing with hypocrisy. He was asking how can you deal with the outside without thinking of cleansing the inside.  - About cleaning the dish - Sitting in seats of honour - About walking over hidden graves - Unbearable religious demands - Monuments for prophets killed by them - Removing the key to knowledge. Religiosity is good. But piety is higher. Ritualism and legalism is well appreciated. But what is more important is truthfulness of the heart. Why do I do the things that I do. Isn't heart more important than the deeds? Isn't being more important than doing?  The thief by the side of Jesus on the cross, ended up being in paradise with Him, without doing anything great. Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/order-for-dish-washing-1900439

Transparent

Lk:11:36 If you are filled with light with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant as though a floodlight is filling you with light. Light with dark corners. Subtle compromises, for your comfort. You have the light, but there are patches around the corner. Those things which you thought that wouldn't matter. That others wouldn't notice. Subtle things which you entertain, though the Lord had asked you to take away, but you hold on to it for your own sake. If those dark corners are not there, then there would be that radiant light which illuminates your entire life. That is beautiful. Entirely filled with light. That would be blessed to be entirely illuminated by the light. Transparent. Fully transmitting the light incident on you. Not opaque. Not translucent. No shadows. Not reflective. Not refractive. Entirely, fully transmitting. Image credit: https://stock.adobe.com/images/3d-transparent-glass-heart-with-dispersion/567453309