Loving the Will of God Above All

Key Verse:
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:26 (NKJV)

The words of Jesus in Luke 14:26 are some of the most sobering in the Gospels. They are not a call to emotional hatred, but a demand for supreme allegiance. Christ is not saying we should despise our loved ones-He’s saying that our love for Him and our commitment to His will must surpass every other affection and attachment. To follow Jesus means to place Him above all: family, comfort, reputation, safety, and even our own lives.

True discipleship is not built on convenience but on costly surrender. It’s easy to follow God when His will aligns with our desires or when the path is smooth. But the real test comes when His will leads us into uncomfortable or even risky situations. Do we still say yes when obedience requires letting go of control or when following Christ might create tension with those we love?

We often wrestle with God’s will when it conflicts with our protective instincts-especially concerning our loved ones or ourselves. But to truly walk in obedience, we must believe that God’s will is not only right, but also good. Trusting His will means we entrust ourselves and those we love to His care, even when we don’t fully understand the outcome. Faith is not just believing in God’s power, but surrendering to His plan.

There is a subtle danger in idolizing safety, comfort, and relationships above obedience. While these things are blessings, they must never become barriers to doing the will of God. Our willingness to follow Christ no matter the cost is what sets true disciples apart. It’s not that God delights in putting us in harm’s way, but that He calls us to trust Him fully-even when the path is steep and uncertain.

As you walk through life, determine in your heart to love God’s will above everything else. Let His voice be louder than fear, and let your loyalty to Him outweigh every earthly tie. When you do, you’ll find that the safest place in the world is the center of His will-and His faithfulness will never fail you.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling me to follow you with my whole heart. Help me to love your will more than anything or anyone else in my life. Teach me to trust you completely, especially when your path challenges my comfort or expectations. Give me the courage to say yes, no matter the cost, and the faith to believe that your will is always good. I surrender today and choose to follow you above all. In Jesus’ name, amen.