What St. Benedict of Nursia Meant by “Prefer Nothing to Christ”
“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ.”
— St. Benedict of Nursia
“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ” expresses the heart of St. Benedict’s spiritual teaching — a call to place Christ above all things in life.
Who Said “Prefer Nothing to Christ”?
This quote comes from St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547), the founder of Western monasticism and author of the Rule of St. Benedict, a guide to living a balanced life of prayer, work, and community.
What Does “Prefer Nothing to Christ” Mean?
St. Benedict teaches that Christ must be at the center of everything. To “prefer nothing” to Christ means that no desire, ambition, or attachment should take His place in our hearts.
This does not mean rejecting the world, but ordering it rightly. Work, relationships, responsibilities, and even personal goals all find their proper place when Christ comes first.
Benedict’s wisdom is simple yet demanding: when Christ is truly our highest priority, our decisions, actions, and values begin to reflect that commitment.
To live this way is to seek God in all things — to make every part of life an offering rooted in faith and love.
Why This Quote Still Matters Today
In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, St. Benedict’s words are a powerful reminder to return to what matters most.
When Christ is first, everything else finds its proper place.
To walk more deeply with this wise and disciplined saint, explore our 30-day devotional,
Walking with St. Benedict of Nursia
— a daily journey of prayer, discipline, and seeking God in all things.
