by Dr. Tom Cowley and Mrs. Karen Cowley
As we think about marriage, family and living in harmony, Dr. and Mrs. Cowley share their ideas and thinking by focusing on three basic foundations:
1. Focus on a close discipleship relationship with Jesus
2. Start with a simple Christ-centered theology
3. Realize that marriage and family are at the center of the Christian walk and life
In this article, we will focus on the first foundation.
Commitment to Christ - and understanding what it means to have a discipleship relationship with Him - is important. Four aspects of a being a disciple of Jesus include:
- Denying self and being humble servants of Jesus
- Making a decision with focus and not serving two masters
- Having a “do it” attitude; as a follower of Jesus
- Dwelling with him daily through worship, prayer and Bible study
Let us examine each of these aspects in detail.
Followers of Jesus are called to deny self and be humble servants
Towards the end of the ministry in Galilee, Jesus told his disciples to keep minimal provisions, “Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic” (Luke 9:3b). Jesus was also coaching disciples to deny self for their emerging responsibilities. Arguments arose among the disciples as to who would be the greatest. Jesus taught his followers, “For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest” (Luke 9:48b). Human nature is the reverse, to think of self first. Jesus calls his followers to reverse the order; Jesus first, others second, and self last.
Facing Samaritan opposition Jesus resolutely continued travels for Jerusalem through other routes (Luke 9:51-53). The disciples suggested bringing down fire from heaven to destroy a village, but Jesus, denying their anger, went on to another village with salt and light.
A man volunteered to follow Jesus wherever he would go after burying his father. Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). Later, Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Travels continue and Jesus emphasizes entering through the “narrow door” (Luke 13:24).
At the feast of the Kingdom, those who have humbled themselves on earth may be first in the kingdom and those who were first on earth, may be last (Luke 13:30). As Jesus travels with his disciples to Jerusalem, we sense urgency and denying self are important messages of Jesus. Refer to: Luke 9, 13, 16:16-31
