Above All Else

Who cannot be a disciple of Jesus? We often hear about what it takes to be a disciple of Christ, but let us in this post look at criteria that disqualify us from being His disciple.

Luke 14:25-26 – Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Jesus had just explained that coming to God was like accepting an invitation (Luke 14:16-24), He is now quick to add that there is more. Being faithful and obedient to Christ, needed to take priority over other relationships, even the closest ones. Our Lord founded a way of love, not of hate, He uses the strong word hate here. He wanted us to understand the great difference that was needed between our allegiance to Christ and our allegiance to everyone and everything else.

Our passions are a good indicator of where our hearts truly are. Many of us believe in Jesus, but don’t know what it means to be a disciple. A true disciple comes to Him without reservation, setting Christ as Lord, the topmost priority in one’s life. We are to move from religion to relationship. We are to come close to Him, love Him with all our hearts, and learn of Him. The relationship of a disciple is one of a true, commitment to Christ, rather than just a surface-level adherence to religion.

Simply put, if Christ is not the absolute first priority of our lives, above people (even our parents, children, or spouse), our careers, studies, or anything else that takes priority over Him, then we cannot be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is one whose eyes are fixed on Jesus and it is all about Him and His agenda.

Are you a disciple of Jesus? Is Christ your highest priority, above all else?

Lord help me place you above else.