What True Discipleship Really Means

Many churches have shifted their focus from loving God and loving others to a “me-centered gospel.” That is sure to attract the world and naive believers. After all, humans are naturally self-centered.

“There is nothing more irreligious than self-absorbed religion.”
― J.I. Packer

“The me-centered gospel makes a subtle shift at its foundation about what—rather, who—is at the center of the gospel message. Well, it seems subtle. It’s actually a fundamental, seismic relocation. Jesus is removed from the center and is replaced by…you.” Jim Thomson, Pastor and Missionary, from his book Leadership on the Brink

You will see this from churches that advertise Your Best Life Now and teach that God wants you to financially prosper. In other words, it’s all about what God can do for me as if He is some kind of Genie in the sky. But this is in direct opposition to what Jesus said. In Luke 14, Jesus explains what it means to become His disciple. For many years, I skipped over these verses thinking they were too difficult to understand. Let’s examine them now.

²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

²⁸ “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? ²⁹ For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, ³⁰ saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

³¹ “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? ³² If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. ³³ In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

³⁴ “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? ³⁵ It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.”

“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Luke 14:26-35

In other words, we must make Christ our first priority, even over family, wealth, and even our own life. Being a disciple is not about what we can get if we say a sinner’s prayer. It’s about being willing to give all to Him.

Some Examples to Consider:

(vs. 26) Did you know that when a Muslim follows Jesus, his family will reject him or may even kill him? When Jesus said, “hate your father and mother” He means that He is above everyone, even family. Nabeel Qureshi describes his experience when he converted from Islam to Christianity in his book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. Nabeel’s mother and father, whom he respected and loved were devastated by his conversion. For the first time, I understood this verse.

(vs. 27) Many of the original disciples lost their lives, being crucified for their faith. Even today, many Christians are persecuted around the world and are viciously slaughtered. In 2023, 8,000 Christians were massacred in Nigeria! When you are robbed, beaten, and murdered for your faith in Jesus – that’s Christian persecution! You may not hear about it in the news, but it happens much more than you think.

(vs. 33) This does not mean we must become penniless, but we must hold all that we have with open hands, willing to give what the Lord asks us to give.

Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Lord, create in me a willing heart that I may follow you wholeheartedly. Take away my “itching ears” and give me ears to hear.

In His Love, Cindy

Before you go, please see my page Who Is Jesus? Hundreds of people have viewed this page! Have you?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

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