We crave attention and approval. It’s how we are wired. We want to be loved by our parents. We want the approval of our bosses. We want to be accepted. But, even in this text that is over 2000 years old, Jesus lets us know that this is not always going to be popular with others around us and we should not let that detour us. When addressing the religious leaders of the day (man, they didn’t even know what they were up against), he says:

33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7:33-35 ESV

I love this! What he is saying is, “Luke is totally pure and virtuous and you call him a demon. I hang out with people you don’t like and you call me a drunk. You are like a bunch of name calling kids.” Don’t we all face that everyday. Who cares what they think! We should be listening to what Jesus is saying to us. Not ever easy, but the way to go.

On to Luke 8, Jesus’ mother and brothers come to see him. His response:

19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 ESV

Ouch! That one is rough. Being a mentor in student ministries, this one hits hard. For teenagers, despite all that is going on in with them, they crave acceptance. But, this is so great because the ultimate example of what we do should come from Jesus and those that are doing the Word of God. We need to do what is right, even if it something that parents aren’t into. Harsh? Yes. True? Absolutely! Parents not into your walk with Christ? Try to get them on board, but don’t let them detour you. Keep it up!

There is saying that says something to the effect that nothing comes easy and the things that are of worth to us come from hard work. How true that is of our walk with Christ. It is probably one of the most difficult things that we will do, but the kingdom awaits. I pray that you can keep on it and hope that you will do the same for me. I mean, it’s defying our human nature! We need all the help we can get.