I once went for a job interview and was offered the job based upon my passing the physical. It was as a result of the physical exam that I discovered I had a tumor in my bladder. Praise God! The short story is that I was blessed to be able to have the tumor surgically removed and have been bladder cancer free ever since.
I tell you this story because Jesus is basically telling His crowd of listeners in Lk. 14:25-35; “You can have the job of being my disciple if you pass the spiritual exam.”
And it is here some of us discover we have some things that are not right with us and need undergo spiritual treatment.
First, Jesus says, 'Let’s check our relationships' (v.26). Are there any family, friends or otherwise ahead of your relationship with Christ? If so, they must be removed and our relationship with Christ must take first place.
Second, let’s examine your personal goals and agendas (v.27). Have these been brought before Christ to determine if they are God given or self-selected? If we are beholden to our own wills, agendas and self-made plans, we are going to need to schedule that spiritual surgery to have those removed before we can go on.
Third, Let’s examine the whole 'what I own' idea (v.33). The job does not require that you be without possessions, But it does require an honest look to see if there is anything that owns you. If so, we’re going to need to take a spiritual scalpel to that before it spreads and creates major problems for you down the road.
Well how did you do on your spiritual physical? Are there any discoveries that might mean surgery today in order to have a healthier tomorrow? Okay, then if all is well, here is your job description: "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Lk 14:34-35) Go out and be the kind of disciple that’s worth their salt.
Dr. William Burnham is pastor of Point of Grace Church in Covington. He can be reached at burnhamw@charter.net.
