Introduction

The concept of pursuing Christ above all is a central tenet of Christian discipleship, emphasizing the preeminence of Jesus Christ in the life of a believer. This pursuit involves prioritizing one's relationship with Christ over all other aspects of life, including personal ambitions, relationships, and material possessions. The call to pursue Christ above all is rooted in Scripture and is exemplified through the teachings and life of Jesus, as well as the writings of the apostles.

Biblical Foundation

The call to pursue Christ above all is grounded in several key biblical passages. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself declares the necessity of prioritizing Him above all else: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This verse underscores the importance of placing God's kingdom and righteousness at the forefront of one's life.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul writes, "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" . Here, Paul expresses the supreme value of knowing Christ, considering all else as insignificant in comparison.

The Cost of Discipleship

Pursuing Christ above all involves a willingness to forsake personal desires and comforts. Jesus speaks to this cost of discipleship in Luke 14:26-27: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple" . This passage highlights the radical commitment required to follow Christ, where allegiance to Him surpasses even the closest familial ties.

The Role of Faith and Obedience

Faith and obedience are integral to pursuing Christ above all. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" . This exhortation emphasizes the need to focus on Christ, setting aside distractions and sin that hinder spiritual growth.

Obedience to Christ's commands is also a manifestation of pursuing Him above all. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" . Love for Christ is demonstrated through a life of obedience, reflecting a heart that prioritizes His will above personal inclinations.

The Promise of Fulfillment

While the pursuit of Christ above all may involve sacrifice, it also promises profound fulfillment. Jesus assures His followers in John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness" . The abundant life offered by Christ is not measured by worldly standards but by the richness of a relationship with Him.

Moreover, the pursuit of Christ leads to eternal rewards. In Matthew 19:29, Jesus promises, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life" . This assurance provides hope and motivation for believers to prioritize Christ above all else, knowing that their sacrifices are not in vain.

Conclusion

The pursuit of Christ above all is a lifelong journey marked by faith, obedience, and a willingness to forsake all for the sake of knowing and following Jesus. It is a call to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, the spiritual over the material, and the divine over the human. Through this pursuit, believers find true fulfillment and the promise of eternal life with Christ.