Am I A Disciple Of Christ?

How to Be a Disciple of Christ

The question, “How to be a disciple of Christ?” might seem simple to answer. For some, it may indeed come naturally, but for many, it’s a journey of self-reflection and commitment.

One thing I’ve come to understand over the past few months is this: discipleship comes at a cost.

If we don’t carefully consider that cost, we risk starting something we were never fully prepared to see through to completion.

You may find yourself pondering, “Am I truly a disciple?” Perhaps you assume you are, only to realize that you’ve been living as a believer but not necessarily as a disciple.

This isn’t to say that the opportunity is lost.

Rather, it’s an invitation to examine your life against the will of God and ask yourself, “Am I genuinely following Christ in every area of my life?”

If your answer is uncertain, another question follows: “How do I become a disciple of Christ?”

The Cost of Discipleship

In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus outlines what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ.

He begins with a striking statement: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.”

For those listening at that time, this would have been incredibly challenging to hear. In that cultural context, family was of utmost importance.

A large family was considered a sign of blessing and favor, and prioritizing familial ties was deeply ingrained in their way of life.

Fast forward to today, and we often take these values for granted. Children are sometimes seen as burdens rather than blessings, and the sanctity of marriage and family is often disregarded.

It’s important to understand that when Jesus uses the word “hate” here, He doesn’t mean it in the way we use the word today.

Instead, He is emphasizing a principle of priority—loving less in comparison to Him. To be a disciple of Christ means placing Him above all else, even the relationships we hold dearest.

This call to discipleship comes with sacrifices. It’s not about abandoning your family but about ensuring that your love for Christ surpasses any earthly attachment.

When we truly desire to follow Him, we must be willing to surrender everything that competes with His place as Lord in our lives.

The Big Sacrifice

So, what does the big sacrifice look like? To be a true disciple of Christ, you must be willing to sacrifice certain things—and even certain relationships—for His sake.

This concept ties back to one of the commandments God gave Moses: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”

This command should be taken with the utmost seriousness. However, I believe that we—as the body of Christ—often fail to grasp its full meaning.

It becomes all too easy for someone who merely believes in the existence of Jesus, without true commitment, to straddle the fence when personal desires are placed above God’s will.

There will be challenging moments when God asks you to let go of something dear to you, testing your willingness to surrender.

In those moments, the question arises: Will we cling to the desires of our flesh, or will we yield to the leading of the Spirit?

I’ve come to realize that following God and being a true disciple of Christ requires a deep willingness to “hate” your own life—not in self-loathing, but in being ready to put everything on the line for Him.

This level of sacrifice is about prioritizing God above all else and recognizing that true discipleship comes at a cost.

Are we willing to give up what He asks, trusting that His plans are greater than our own?

What Does Self Denial Look Like

How to Be a Disciple of Christ Within the Body of Christ

It’s easy to think it’s acceptable to say whatever comes to mind when you’re offended by someone in the Church. However, as disciples of Christ, we must be careful not to operate out of a place of unchecked emotions.

I’ve learned that our emotions, while valid, can become a hindrance in our journey of discipleship.

Personally, I get irritated easily, but that doesn’t give me a free pass to let my frustration cloud my judgment or actions.

There are moments when I might feel justified in lashing out at someone who has wronged me. But Christ calls us to a higher standard—one that often goes against our natural impulses.

Instead of reacting in anger, Christ’s way might look like taking your offender to God in prayer before you say something you’ll regret.

It means bringing your brother or sister in Christ before God rather than gossiping about them behind their back.

These actions are reflections of self-denial. Discipleship often requires letting go of our desires for vindication or retaliation and responding with grace and humility.

Self-denial extends beyond handling offenses. It could mean surrendering relationships that don’t contribute to your spiritual growth.

It’s a call to examine whether we’re placing family, friendships, or even our own desires above Christ.

If we prioritize these things over Him, what are we truly doing? How are we fulfilling our call to be a disciple of Christ?

A Call To Commitment

Jesus makes it clear in Luke 14:28–33 that anyone who follows Him must count the cost of discipleship. It requires sacrifice, obedience, and the willingness to put God’s will above our own desires. Have you evaluated your priorities, your heart, and your actions in light of His call?

How to Begin the Journey

If you’re asking, “How do I become a disciple of Christ?” start with intentionality. Reflect on these steps:

1. Seek God through His Word: Dive deep into the Scriptures. Understand who Jesus is and what He calls His followers to do.

2. Commit to Prayer: Consistent prayer helps align your heart with God’s will and provides the strength to follow Him daily.

3. Engage with Fellow Believers: Surround yourself with a community of disciples who can encourage, challenge, and support you.

4. Surrender Your Life: Being a disciple means surrendering your plans, desires, and control to God’s guidance.

Discipleship is not a one-time decision but a daily choice to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It’s a journey of growth, obedience, and faith.