Weighing the Cost of Choosing Between Family or Faith Essay Example

life, then I am unable to become his disciple.

In Luke 14:26, Jesus discusses the concept of hating family members. Although these words may appear strong and confusing, it is crucial to understand their true meaning. In Greek, "Miseo" can have various interpretations. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, it can imply having malicious feelings towards others or indicate a relative preference for one thing over another or an aversion and disregard for someone's assertions. Hence, when Jesus speaks of hating family members, he means rejecting and disregarding their influence. It is worth noting that Jesus primarily directs these warnings and rebukes towards his disciples.

The significance of adhering to Jesus is crucial to contemplate. It is important for disciples to understand that achieving victory will not be effortless. This portion, exclusively present in Luke, shares similarities with verses 26-27 in Matthew 10:37-38. It should be acknowledged that this passage is intended for a broad audience. Jesus extended an invitation to everyone but was candid about the obstacles they would encounter on their journey. The primary requirement from Jesus is for individuals to prioritize Him above all else in their hearts, as it is essential for fruitful discipleship.

Jesus teaches that the priority for those who choose to follow him must be their relationship with him, even above their own family and life. The word "hate" is used metaphorically to highlight this importance. It is vital for a disciple to place Jesus first in their life. However, it should be understood that this does not mean one should truly hate their parents, spouse, children, etc. Jesus' teachings encourage us

to love others as we love ourselves and recognize that nobody hates their own body (Matthew 22:36-40; Ephesians 5:29).

The definition of "hate" in this context does not mean a complete absence of love or actively seeking harm for others. It is crucial to compare all Bible passages explicitly within the entirety of the Bible. Numerous other Scriptures guide us to love everyone, including our family members (Matt. 22:36-40). Men are instructed to love their wives in Ephesians 5:22-25, and wives are told to love their husbands and children in Titus 2:4. Therefore, Luke 14:26 does not literally imply that we should hate our family members. In certain situations, the word "hate" is used with a relative sense in the Bible.

The Bible passage Genesis 29:31 reveals that Jacob's love for his wife Leah was less than his love for his other wife Rachel. The term "hate" is used to express a comparison in the intensity of affection, as elucidated in Genesis 25:34. This concept is likewise evident in Luke 14:26, where Jesus emphasizes the significance of prioritizing our devotion to Him above our families. It is crucial to acknowledge that this does not imply harboring malevolence or animosity towards our family members, as it contradicts teachings found in scripture. Rather, Christ emphasizes the necessity for our love for Him to surpass any other individual or object.

In Luke 14:26 and Matthew 10:37, Jesus emphasizes that if someone loves their parents or children more than Him, they are not deserving of Him. While it is not mandatory for us to completely sacrifice our relationships with loved ones or even lay down our

lives for His cause in order to please the Lord, we should still be prepared to do so. Throughout history, there have been instances where individuals have confronted these challenges. For instance, in Carthage Rome in 202 A.D., Perpetua and Felicity were martyred. Even though it may not be necessary to forsake our families entirely, their desires should always come secondary to the will of Jesus.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing His cause above all else in our lives in Luke 9:23-27. It is essential to fully commit ourselves to it, even if it means sacrificing our lives, in order to truly be His disciples. Merely identifying as disciples and giving the appearance of devotion may not reflect the truth when we face judgment. Jesus does not view half-hearted followers as authentic disciples, regardless of their outward appearance.

Jesus' mission results in society persecuting us, which sets us apart from mainstream societal values. Jesus intentionally chooses these specific examples of in-laws because it was common for young couples to live with the husband's family. Our allegiance to Jesus is of higher importance than gaining acceptance or even maintaining politeness within our own families (10:37). While honoring one's parents was seen as a paramount social obligation by many, it is believed that only God deserves even greater honor (Deut 13:6; 33:9). Ultimately, according to Scripture, following Jesus means following Jesus alone, without being influenced by anyone or anything else.

A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus, their primary teacher. Jesus is looking for complete loyalty, despite the rejection and persecution that lie ahead. If his followers prioritize their families over him,

they may choose to walk away from Jesus when faced with persecution and division within their families. This is the underlying message behind Jesus' statements. Discipleship is only possible when Jesus is the teacher. This is precisely what it means to bear the cross and follow Jesus. It represents the essence of discipleship.

Learning from Jesus requires following him, which includes experiencing his rejection and carrying his cross. We must be willing to walk this narrow path to truly learn from Jesus. Discipleship involves unwavering allegiance, relying solely on him. Jesus teaches us that when we accept the call to be a child of God, our earthly family members will oppose us as we start our journey with God. Whether intentional or not, they will hinder us.

Remember that Jesus Christ referred to certain people as the blind and the dead walking. Although some family members may seem to have our best interests at heart, Christ warns that they are actually enemies trying to hinder His plan for our new lives in Him alone. If we observe closely, we will notice that their plans revolve entirely around themselves and how we should act towards them. In contrast, God has already outlined His plans for us, which involve occupying our minds with His thoughts. This means we have to intentionally choose God's thoughts for ourselves and disregard their self-centered world, which they want us to be consumed by.

In order to give priority to Christ and His plan over family members who are antagonistic, we must redirect our thoughts and emotions exclusively towards Him. These distractions hinder our important mission, so it is

necessary for us to distance ourselves from them and be ready to bear the genuine cost of being a disciple, as instructed by Christ in the subsequent verses.

The author highlights the significance of evaluating the cost before undertaking a project, using the analogy of building a tower. They encourage us to consider what it will cost us to fully commit to following Christ. This introspection is crucial as it may potentially lead to conflicts with family members and even jeopardize relationships with our spouse and children.

By adhering to the teachings of Jesus Christ, one may experience the loss of loved ones as two individuals with differing beliefs cannot walk together. It is crucial to avoid forming intimate connections with non-believers due to the inability for righteousness and unrighteousness to coexist. Communion between light and darkness is impossible, thus separating ourselves from unbelievers is commanded by the Lord. When considering the sacrifices required for serving Jesus, He emphasizes that anyone who does not relinquish all possessions cannot be His disciple.

According to the text, Christ indicates that when he mentions "all that he has," he is specifically referring to an individual's material possessions and personal connections, which encompass their father, mother, spouse, children, siblings. The teaching from Christ emphasizes that if these family members consistently become influenced by Satan and hinder the person from fulfilling their purpose, then they should be disregarded and abandoned. Nonetheless, it remains crucial to maintain love for them and pray for their salvation so they may repent and redirect themselves towards God. Choosing Christ's teachings over their counsel is not merely a choice but rather a

necessity.

We must take heed as He warned us about all this. He said, "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother...and a man's foes shall be they of his own household" (Mt. 10: 34-36). The Martyrdom is perplexing. How could Vibia Perpetua willingly enter the Carthage arena on March 7, 202 A. D.? From where did this fearlessness to confront a wild maddened cow derive? According to the diary she left behind, Perpetua had recently been baptized to confirm her Christianity just weeks prior to her martyrdom. [1] Perpetua documented her arrest, trial, imprisonment, and execution along with her servant Felicitas and four others. This diary chronicles how they were all detained, found guilty for admitting Christianity, and shares Perpetua's first-hand experience of martyrdom through death. [2] This is no ordinary diary; Perpetua is recognized as the earliest female Christian author. Through this courageous woman's writing, readers can gain insight into third century Christianity and detailed accounts of martyrdom within the Christian church in North Africa.

The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicitas, also called the prison diary of Perpetua, is categorized into three main parts. The first part contains Perpetua's personal perspective written by hand. [3] Tertullian in Carthage is believed to have written the introduction and conclusion. Lastly, a witness who observed the martyrdom gives a description anonymously. [4] Reading about a martyr's experience can deeply impact and reveal God's grace. These accounts serve to build up and inspire believers in Christ, similar to stories about Bible characters.

The Christian community frequently shares stories of faith and love.

However, when someone becomes a martyr for Christ, it emphasizes the intense struggle between Jesus Christ's kingdom and the spiritual forces of darkness. Every instance of martyrdom is unique to its time and place, demonstrating the ultimate decision between obeying human authority or God Almighty. This specific story revolves around five catechumens who had recently professed their faith in Christ and were getting ready for baptism.

Among the arrested individuals are Felicitas and Perpetua, who serves as her handmaiden. Perpetua is a 22-year-old married noblewoman from Rome, belonging to an important family. She is currently breastfeeding her infant son. Secundulus, Saturninus, and Revocatus are three men also convicted along with Perpetua. Saturus, the leader of the baptismal class, willingly joins this group. They all face conviction at a community trial held within the Forum because they refuse to burn incense as a sacrifice to the Roman gods.

In celebration of the Emperor's sons' birthday, they all became sacrifices to wild beasts. Perpetua asked her father, Vibius, if he saw the vessel lying there, and he confirmed that he did. She then asked if it could be called by any other name than what it is, and he answered no. She then concluded that she can also only call herself what she is, a Christian. Therefore, it is evident that this noblewoman's issues start within her family before encountering conflicts with Roman culture.

Perpetua's father ensured her education and arranged a socially acceptable marriage for her. It seems that he may not have anticipated her ability to read, write, think, and engage in debates, which exceeded his expectations of maintaining absolute authority over

the Roman household. Perpetua loved her father, but also expressed the pain she felt when his affection conflicted with her faith. In Roman households, including Perpetua's, it was customary for a newborn child to be presented to the father to determine acceptance or rejection.

Despite the strong bond between them, there is a sense of tension in the father-daughter relationship. The father acknowledges Perpetua's numerous responsibilities, but her education becomes evident as she surpasses him in reasoning and debating skills. In this process, Perpetua disregards both familial and societal hierarchies and instead takes on the role of a superior teacher. Through everyday theory, she skillfully argues and uncovers spiritual truths, while her father assumes the position of a student.

We have no way of knowing whether the father or daughter could have recognized that they were living out the writing of Socrates as before their eyes, "the quintessential principled prisoner of conscience and a martyr to truth" (9). Sadly, Perpetua's father's only response is tears of rage. Perpetua writes about the four different times her father comes to her, trying to speak in hopes of "moving all creation" to change her mind. However, Perpetua responds by writing that her father spoke as if speaking the "arguments of the devil" himself (10). Continuing to write until her trial, she records that her father and the governor join forces to beg, portraying themselves as representatives of family and state. They appeal for her to think of "your father's grey hairs...the infancy of the boy...sacrifice for the prosperity of the Emperor" (11). The reader learns that in order for Perpetua to obey Christ, she must disregard

her responsibilities to family, state, and religion. A Roman woman is expected to be loyal to all these loyalties mentioned. Here, Perpetua demonstrates herself as a citizen of the kingdom of Christ, a child of God, and a member of His eternal family.

Perpetua finds it difficult to accept the price she has to pay, knowing that her father loves her, which only increases her sadness. She understands that it is unlikely for her pagan father to rejoice at her martyrdom, as this goes against the traditions in Rome. However, despite not everyone being born to be a martyr, Perpetua herself is able to rejoice at her own passion. It seems almost coincidental that onlookers suddenly recognize the blessed deacons and start caring for the martyrs' needs, even in the arena without facing imprisonment themselves. Many believed that martyrdom was an individual calling and that they should not actively seek it but instead wait for a personal invitation from God to share in the sufferings of Christ. This invitation comes with the guarantee that Christ will never leave and will provide all necessary strength to endure till the end. The courageous maid Felicitas exemplifies the mindset of a true martyr. Despite being one month away from giving birth, she gets arrested with the baptismal class.

In prison, when Felicitas gives birth, a prison keeper taunts her by asking if she finds childbirth painful and what she will do when thrown to the beasts. Fearlessly, as a true martyr filled with faith, Felicitas responds to the guard that although she is currently experiencing suffering, there will be another who will suffer for her because

she is meant to suffer for him. These wise words come from a woman who knows that this is God's fight. Undoubtedly, Felicitas speaks with the faith of a martyr.

The text highlights the idea that martyrdom is a spiritual battle fought within each martyr. It compares this battle to when Stephen witnessed a vision of Jesus and the Father in Acts 7:56. It suggests that the Holy Spirit played a role in preparing the martyrs for their persecution, and speculates that Perpetua's brother may have wished for her to request a vision from God in order to determine her fate.

Perpetua confidently expressed that she regularly engaged in conversation with the Lord. As a result, she had a vision, which reminds me of the verses "You have not because you ask not..." in James 4:3 and "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find..." in Matthew 7:7. It is not surprising that such a faithful woman would receive exactly what she asked for. The vision Perpetua received depicted the nature and expected outcome of the battle she must face. In this vision, she saw a bronze ladder with sharp objects on either side, reminiscent of Jacob's ladder.

The serpent is depicted as the devil in Perpetua's dream, positioned at the bottom of the image. Satrurus, situated at the top, advises her to be cautious of the serpent. However, Perpetua remains faithful and brave in her dream and confronts it boldly, declaring that it has no control over her through Jesus Christ. Interestingly, even in her dream state, Perpetua's courage and faith cause the serpent to tremble. Consequently,

obediently, the serpent raises its head to the first step of a ladder.

In Genesis 3:15, it is written that Perpetua remembers stepping on Satan's head and climbing a ladder. At the ladder's top, she encounters a man with white hair, dressed like a shepherd, who is milking a sheep. Perpetua shares this experience with her brother, who understands its significance. They realize that there is no reason to hope for survival in this world and they stop expecting to be rescued from martyrdom. Just before the martyrdom is to occur, Perpetua has one last vision. In the vision, she sees herself stripped of all clothing and engaged in a fight within a man's body.

In her dream, Perpetua finds herself facing an "Egyptian" who is considered unattractive. The gladiator master announces that if the Egyptian wins, Perpetua will be killed, but if she triumphs, she will be rewarded with a branch of green with gold apples. In the dream, Perpetua describes how the Egyptian tries to trip her, but she effortlessly walks over his head, similar to the vision where she steps on a serpent's head. Ultimately, Perpetua emerges victorious and is presented with the branch of apples. Upon awakening, she understands that her fight is not against wild animals but against the devil himself, and she is determined to defeat him.

In her final diary entry, Perpetua prepares to face the arena, inspired by a revelation from the Holy Spirit. She passes on the pen, inviting others to continue writing about the games. Despite having experienced numerous visions, Perpetua remains untroubled by the approaching ordeal of martyrdom. The narrator notes

that from that day forward, they leave their prison and proceed to the arena with joy and a radiant expression. Any trembling they may feel is not out of fear but rather due to excitement.

In this literal walk of faith, Perpetua is the last to follow. The writer portrays her as being “glorious” in appearance, resembling a true spouse of Christ. She is described as a “darling of God," causing everyone to lower their gaze when she looks at them. Perpetua had a dream where she saw herself as a man, but the writer clarifies that her visible behavior is that of a fearless noblewoman, defying expectations by never looking down and always gazing forward with a “piercing” stare. Following behind Perpetua is Felicitas, who is overjoyed that her baby survived the previous day after giving birth recently.

Felicitas is now relieved that she has the chance to "fight with the wild animals, ...from blood to blood, ... midwife to the gladiator, ... after her travail in a second baptism." [23] The initial battle in the arena is a verbal one, initiated by Perpetua. Upon entering the gates, they discover they are expected to wear costumes as a mocking gesture towards their Christian belief. Perpetua is the one who speaks up for them. The writer notes, "The noble Perpetua remains strong until the end and refuses to comply. She declares: We willingly came into this situation so that our freedom would not be hidden."

In order to avoid engaging in such activities, we have dedicated our lives. This agreement was mutual between us and you. Perpetua's argument is always logical and

persuasive, as even the unjust recognized the just nature of our cause. The tribune allowed us to be brought forth as we were when Perpetua began to sing, as if she was already stepping on the Egyptian's head. The first victory is achieved through words, and now the martyrs will win with the same joyful expression they exhibited during their demonstration of faith.

The individuals did not enter submissively or guiltily, but rather by their own choice, clothed in rebellion as they confront Governor Hilarian who has condemned them. The crowd reacts angrily and demands that they be scourged. The Christians, however, give thanks because they believe they are sharing in the sufferings of the Lord. The writer mentions that the devil has prepared a vicious cow for this purpose, deviating from tradition and mocking their femininity. This reference to the devil reminds the writer of a dream where she realized she was battling Satan, not animals. Other aspects of her dream become evident as the women are brought out into the arena naked, except for a net. The crowd is shocked by their appearance and Perpetua and Felicitas are sent back to be dressed in robes. Next, the women face the savage cow. The crowd closely observes the behavior of the Christians in the arena, particularly Perpetua and her maid who are of noble status. The writer describes what they witness: Perpetua sits upright and covers her thigh with her torn robe, displaying concern for modesty rather than pain.Afterwards, she searched for a pin and also secured her untidy hair, as it was not appropriate for a martyr to suffer with disheveled hair,

so as not to appear mournful in her splendor [27]. How does a woman of Christian faith meet her end?

She could not allow herself to die with disheveled hair and rent robes, as if in sorrow. Instead, she prepared herself for this moment of victory and glory by pinning up her hair and dressing appropriately. When Perpetua rises, she notices her maid lying on the ground and goes to her aid. She extends her hand and lifts her up, and they stand together as equals. In this moment, social hierarchy loses its importance. The noblewoman elevates her servant as her spiritual sister in Christ, and they stand side by side. In Christ, there is no distinction between slave and free. The spectators now witness a vision of a new world order. Perpetua then returns to the Gate in search of amnesty.

The fellow Christians await her and stand by her side. She appears to be awakening from her sleep, perhaps due to shock or as the writer describes it, being "in the Spirit and in ecstasy," with no memory of what has transpired. She asks when they will be thrown to the mad cow and only believes it has already happened when she sees some marks from the attack. She cries out to her brother and shares three words before being taken to the platform to be killed by the sword. She instructs them to stay strong in faith, love one another, and "not be offended because of our passion"[29]. Christians were invited to witness the suffering of the martyrs in an attempt to shake their faith. However, Perpetua's words of "not

being offended because of our passion"[29] had an unexpected outcome. The Romans failed to scare them away. Instead, the courage and peaceful demeanor of the martyrs actually reaffirmed their incredible faith.

The pagans who frequently converted included witnesses, soldiers, and prison officials, inspired by the martyrs' faith. This parallels instances in our Holy Bible where believers successfully lead nonbelievers to Christ. However, these martyrs have one more opportunity to demonstrate their unwavering faith as they proceed to the platform for their final execution by sword.

The martyrs kissed each other in front of the entire crowd to symbolize their desire for peace through martyrdom. Perpetua, who was executed by an inexperienced swordsman, initially cried out when he stabbed her on the collarbone. However, she then guided his hand to position the sword correctly on her throat. The writer believes that if Perpetua had not willed it herself, such a remarkable woman could not have been killed. Examining the evidence leads to the conclusion that both Perpetua and Felicity remained faithful to Christ until death. An indication of their strong faith is seen in the number of onlookers who came to believe after witnessing their martyrdom.

In death, the martyrs were triumphant as God's kingdom operates in such a way. Despite the strangeness of discussing victory in death, it is the reality. The defeat of the devil and the impending downfall of the old regime have transpired. Witnessing these events, individuals saw something new emerge - the kingdom of heaven exemplified through love, joy, courage, and peace. These witnesses observed unwavering individuals who could not be intimidated or separated from their beloved Lord.

All this became possible thanks to the Holy Spirit working within these courageous martyrs. Those who read about these remarkable deaths cannot help but marvel at the physical and mental strength displayed by these martyrs.

Despite being weakened and malnourished from weeks in prison, they not only withstand their initial attacks in the arena but also find the strength to repeatedly rise before the crowd and even walk to their place of execution. Furthermore, Perpetua's aid to inexperienced swordsmen during her own death not only showcases her belief in heavenly rewards but also highlights that her fellow faithful Christians shouldn't be troubled by her suffering. These extraordinary young Christian women embody unwavering conviction and commitment to their cause.

From the moment of their arrest until their death, these individuals exhibited a strong sense of purpose. They were conscious of the divine power within them and viewed their martyrdom as a way to serve a greater cause. While they knew it would bring them honor in paradise, their main objective was to inspire non-believers to have faith in God. [33] Perpetua demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities; despite being a young educated patrician mother, she defied her family's loyalty, advocated for better treatment of her fellow prisoners before the authorities, reassured the faithful, and faced her demise with unwavering bravery.

Felicitas, who faithfully followed and served both Perpetua and Christ, displayed remarkable bravery that should not be overlooked. After reading accounts of these women, it becomes undeniable that they were truly exceptional. St. Augustine recognized that women, despite their physical limitations, can possess the strength and integrity to face adversity and death with spiritual fortitude,

as shown by Perpetua and Felicity. These popular martyrs from Carthage in Africa were admired and discussed by the Bishop of Hippo in his sermons. In the 21st century, modern women who struggle to find female role models in the early church can look to these extraordinary women for inspiration.