Luke 14:25-35 Salt that Retains Its Flavor

26. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.

27. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

34. "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

35. It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."

◇ Jesus makes it clear to his disciples just how difficult it is to truly follow him. He says they must be willing to give up even their closest family ties and their own lives.

This is no easy decision. That's why Jesus urges his followers to carefully consider the cost. Just as a builder must count the cost before starting construction, or a king must assess whether he can win a battle, so too must those who would be Jesus' disciples weigh the full implications.

Being a disciple of Christ requires serious, prayerful reflection. If we live according to his teachings, we will gain eternal glory. But if we fail, we will become like salt that has lost its saltiness - useless and rejected, subject to ridicule and shame.

♧ Gracious and righteous God, may we never lose our spiritual flavor and become worthless. Holy Spirit, empower us to be bold and courageous disciples. Amen.