Why Jesus asked us to hate our parents and what parents should do about it.

It's impossible to go all in for Jesus without ticking off people who are close to you.

Impossible.

If you are determined to play a role in Gods story, be prepared for family to look you in the eye and call you crazy. Or on the flip side, be prepared to look someone you love in the eye and call them crazy cause of their dreams. 

In other words, followers of Jesus, be ready to be hated and/or to be a hater.

Say what? The first part yes but second part...Really? 

Yes.

If you're parent or will be a parent someday, there will come a time when your kids will come home and say they feel like God has given them a crazy dream like say move to the Sudan.

It's not safe and there are no guarantees. In that moment, you'll have a choice. 

A. Respond in fear.

Choke the dreams out of them. Tell them why it's stupid. Argue against their dreams from the bible. Tell them they are just going through a phase. Be a hater. Or..

B. Respond in faith and honesty.

Tell them you're scared but don't kill the dream. Pray with them. Then send them realizing that our ultimate responsibility as parents is not to raise safe kids who grew up to retire in Florida until they pass away comfortably at 99.

I believe a parents greatest dream should be that their kids live fully for Gods glory no matter the cost.

I understand how hard this is. I really do. I don't want my kids to ever go through any hard times. But what a tragedy if all I did was shelter them from experiencing the joy of risking it all (comfort and danger) for the glory of God.

Kids, you have a responsibility too. You also have a choice. When and if your parents choke your dreams and push back, you have two options. 

A. Settle.

You can talk yourself out of a crazy dream cause you are desperate for your parents approval. You don’t want anyone to be mad at you so you trade a part in Gods story for a pat on the shoulders from Mom and dad. You can do that or...

B. Go.

Live by faith. Go even when your parents call you crazy. I'm not saying do something stupid or be impulsive. No.

Pray about it. Seek godly wisdom. Research. Face the risks. Understand that your parents are probably freaking cause they love you. Then pray more. Do whatever it takes.

But PLEASE don't settle for the American dream because your parents don't feel comfortable with what you feel like God is calling you to do. 

I know its hard but you're a grown up now. You can make decisions that your parents don't agree with if it means following Jesus. You can and you have to.

“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. -Luke 14:26

Jesus isn't asking you to literally hate your parents. He's saying you have to choose.

One of the most defining moments in my life was when a family relative-a pastor mind you-looked me in the eye and said...

“You didn't hear from God. You should go the opposite way of that dream. If you don't then you're rebelling against authority and God” 

It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made and it cost me so much. The next 6-7 years were the hardest years of my life but I'm not complaining.

Dude, I just finished a tour with Toby Mac. 

I’m living my dreams, but more importantly I’ve gained Jesus by choosing to follow him when it made no sense to those around me.   

I hope you choose him too.

Does this post strike a cord with you in any way? If so, tell us how.