“God first, family second, work third.”
Knowing that Jesus’ life was perfect in regard to putting God first, we should look at the way He lived His life and imitate Him, attempting to “walk in the manner that He walked” (1 John 2:6). Jesus’ life was characterized by submission to the Father’s will, service to others, and prayer. It is interesting to note that Jesus never pursued worldly ambition in any way and never pursued the glory of this world. He had every gift, talent, and ability to make Him the most famous and wealthiest man who ever lived. But there was only one goal that He considered worthy of His talents—the glory of the Father. it seems that Jesus’ love for God was played out most often in hardship, tears, sorrows, trials, and ultimately a painful and horrific death.
It's not easy to put God first because He doesn't scream for our attention.
Loving God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength is not an easy path (Luke 13:24). Yes, the life of a Christian is a life of joy, despite trials, and a life that anticipates great joy (2 Corinthians 7:4; Revelation 22:16–17). But we should not expect our life in this world to be easy or successful or fulfilling in a worldly sense. The world is at enmity with Christ and is therefore also at enmity with His followers (John 15:18–19). The world will tell us to be someone, to achieve, to live the good life in this world. All that is a lie. It does not bring fulfillment but only pain and disappointment to those who give their lives to it (1 Timothy 6:9–10).
Conversely, the life of a Christian should be characterized by moment-by-moment selfless service to God that flows from love for Him and His people. That is what it means to put God first. Any wealth that comes our way should be used to generously give (Mark 10:21), any success or influence or talents that we have should be used to multiply Christ’s influence (Matthew 25:14–30), and any strength or health we enjoy should be spent in His service (Philippians 2:14–17; Mark 8:35).
Conversely, the life of a Christian should be characterized by moment-by-moment selfless service to God that flows from love for Him and His people. That is what it means to put God first. Any wealth that comes our way should be used to generously give (Mark 10:21), any success or influence or talents that we have should be used to multiply Christ’s influence (Matthew 25:14–30), and any strength or health we enjoy should be spent in His service (Philippians 2:14–17; Mark 8:35).
ACTION STEP: Today let the loudest voice in your head be the voice of God. Ask yourself over and over is this what God would have me to do? Or is it my own selfish desires that are screaming at me? Silence them. Turn up the volume of the voice of God. He desires to bless you. He wants what is best for you.
RSS Feed