A Christian

Now great crowds were travelling with Him. So He turned to them: "if anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters- yes, and even his own life- he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:25-27

This can seem harsh, especially the use of the word 'hate'. I think of it this way:

I have an elderly mum and I love her and pray for her but I do not love her more than The Lord. I love her because of the Lord's presence in my life.

I have a younger sister coming to visit today and I love her but my love for The Lord is stronger, to the point I would not let my sister dominate my love for Christ. My decisions about my life as a Christian must be greater than my love for my sister. For example, say my sister wanted me to participate in something my faith would not allow then my love for her has to be filtered by my love for my Lord.

I cannot compromise my faith for family, self or friends. There can be no compromise, make sense?

By not compromising I am seen for what I am, a Christian but I do not make a noise about it, it is who I am. If I am making a noise and acting self-righteously then I am a fool and not a follower of Christ. I am merely a noisy gong and a clanging cymbal.

As a stay close to The Lord it all works out right and in grace. Amen!