Sunday, September 8, 2013: Luke 14:25-33

For many congregations, September 8 is Rally Sunday. Sunday school begins again. Worship times are restored. The people attending worship have a freshness and excitement about them. Toddlers have grown a size or two, seventh graders are eighth graders, parents are rested from vacations, and some adults have married or added a child their families. What is God’s will for this rejuvenated lot? “Therefore, none of you can become my disciples if you do not give up all your possessions.” What? Jesus is kidding, right? Give them up? What about all of those goodies we acquired over the summer? Our boats, bicycles, hiking gear and video cameras?

If you dare to preach this message about possessions (not to mention the message about “hating” one’s family members and carrying a cross), you may find yourself about as popular as Jeremiah was when he exhorted God’s people to turn from their evil ways. Then again, you may lead others or be led yourself to a renewed commitment to Christian discipleship.

I have a complicated relationship with things. I think that I live simply and am aware of my acquisitions and spending. I walk instead of taking a taxi. I have been known to pitch a tent rather than stay in a five-star hotel. I shop at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore instead of at Home Depot. I can live out of a backpack for weeks. Yet I’m looking around as I write this and see that I have more in this one room than many people have in an entire house. It’s embarrassing. Do I think I am exempt from Jesus’ demands? Maybe I’ve used fancy exegetical skills to justify my possessions on the basis of my frugality.