In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33

What comes to mind when you think of the word “extremist?” Perhaps you think of suicide bombers or terrorists. Most likely you don’t have a positive association with the word. Yet the Bible tells us that being a disciple of Jesus asks us to give up everything, and even love our enemies, which is indeed extreme.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love?… Jesus Christ was an extremist for love, truth and goodness…”

If we aren’t extreme in our discipleship, perhaps we are not taking Jesus’ call very seriously. Being an extremist for love does not necessarily mean we will face violence for our faith in Jesus, but a lifestyle of extreme love isn’t always comfortable. We should be as serious about living like Jesus, as the enemy is about crushing love. Complacency is not an appropriate witness.

Think and pray about what Jesus values as important. Think in extremes. Who are you willing to love that seems unlovable? You might not do anything drastic today, but we do have to take measured steps day by day to work toward big goals. What are you willing to risk? Your comfort? Your reputation? People you know will likely think you’re “being extreme,” and they will be right! Jesus asks for our everything. Get extreme about sharing the love of Christ.

Resource Reading: Luke 14:25-34