“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even unto death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8 NASB

That is how Jesus defines obedience. And in Luke 14 He tells us what obedience looks like if we are to be His disciple. If we are to follow Him. A true disciple:

1. Puts Jesus first in all things (v 26) (not hate, but indifference to one and preference for the other; the command to love our father and mother is still valid).
2. Sets aside all personal ambition and is prepared for the suffering following Jesus will entail (v27).
3. Doesn’t underestimate the cost. Determines whether they are willing to pay the price to finish what they begin (v 28-32).
4. Is prepared to sacrifice all worldly things in service of Christ (v 33).
5. Doesn’t become salt that has lost its taste, losing its distinctiveness and usefulness in the world (v34).
6. Doesn’t just hear but follows through in her/his daily life (v 35).

You may be thinking “that’s impossible.” The good news is we are not called to follow in our own strength. The Holy Spirit turns these humanly impossible burdens into the natural fruit of a new life. Just as on the cross Christ was empowered by His perfect communion with the Father, our ability to prioritize the Kingdom over worldly ambition is made possible through our union with Christ. The Spirit not only seeks our surrender. He provides the power required to sustain it.