Jesus' Disturbing Question/Invitation

The differences between my ego and my spirit are hard to discern and, even more difficult, to follow. By “my spirit” I mean that part of me that desires to follow Jesus, who, given my culture and language has been my primary guide for the Divine. When Jesus called the disciples, he said, “Come follow me” (Matthew 4:19). I think that is a question, “come, follow me?” That simple question/invitation is all that the gospel writes wrote. A simple yet disturbing question. There are no safety or security promises with that question/invitation. Jesus’ question/invitation is not even about comfort. Jesus even said that I wasn’t to worry about food, clothing, etc. Perhaps I am learning that it is my ego whose focus is about safety, security, comfort, food, housing, clothes, automobiles, band and retirement accounts, etc. My spirit is about meaning and purpose for living. Jesus calls to my spirit to follow Him into meaning and purpose which is not necessarily a promise of safety, security or comfort. No wonder Jesus’ question/invitation is very difficult. Jesus even said many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). It is my ego which wants to make Jesus’ question/invitation into something else of which my ego would be satisfied, such as prosperity, wellness, safety, security, comfort, etc.; but that is not promised when Jesus’ asks, “come, follow me?”