Life must have priorities. We either knowingly or not, rank certain things and aspects of our lives in accordance to importance to us. Many times those things considered most important by us are not the same things that God considers most important (Matthew 6:33). In consideration of our life, in respect to the scriptures, we need to understand that there is that which must be sought first. And then all the lesser important things should follow. 

Often times we find ourselves majoring in the minor. People remain lost in our communities while we argue over insignificant things such as what color the carpet should be in the building.  Parents work and worry to supply their children designer jeans, but exert no effort to “train them in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4).    “Preachers” emphasize feeling good about one’s self, while the world goes to hell for lack of teaching. There are many things that should be put first in our lives that just don’t get put there because we fail to get our priorities right. In this article, we want to examine some of these things and be challenged to put first things first, as God would have us to do.

 MAN MUST PUT GOD’S KINGDOM FIRST – Religious division, as is in existence today, is not of Divine origin. Denominationalism comes up lacking in so many ways.

             It does not have the right builder – Christ – Matthew 16:18.

            It does not have the right place of beginning – Jerusalem – Acts 1:12-2:1.

            It does not have the right time of beginning – Pentecost – Acts 2.

            It does not have the right foundation – Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:11.

            It was not bought with the right price – the blood of Christ – Acts 20:28;

            1 Peter 1:18, 19.

            It does not reflect the right number – one – Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18.

 Christ did not die for division but, rather, for unity (John 17:20, 21; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

MAN MUST PUT GOD’S WORD FIRST – Scripture reveals that only the Truth saves (John 8:32; 17:17; 1 Peter 1:22, 23). When Judgment comes, we will be judged by the Word of God, and not the creeds of men (John 12:48). Those that follow the teachings of man cannot hope to please God in their actions, as such is seen as vanity by God (Matthew 15:9).

MAN MUST PUT OBEDIENCE TO GOD ABOVE OBEDIENCE TO MAN – Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:20, 28, 29. Many people have sacrificed much, over the years, to please God instead of man. Often time’s cruel acts are directed at one who seeks to obey God, such as seen in the life of the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). But still yet, we must seek to please God and not man (Acts 5:29).

MAN MUST PUT MAKING A LIFE ABOVE MAKING A LIVING – Man is commanded by God to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Therefore it is right and good to do so within limits. The true Christian does not expect a handout from the world while refusing to be employed in honest work. Scripture reveals the fact that God is not pleased with the slothful and sluggard (Hebrews 6:12; Proverbs 6:6). However, God did not intend for secular work to consume all one’s time, talents and energy. The truth is, God is not pleased when we do not take time to worship or work in the kingdom due to our secular obligations. Neither is He pleased when we put making a living above our family.

Far too many times we allow ourselves to fall for the Devil’s trap when it comes to the choosing of our profession. We allow our love of money, and all that it can attain, to keep us away from family and God (1 Timothy 6:10). Often times we allow things to take priority above matters pertaining to the Kingdom of God and jeopardize our souls (Luke 12:15). It is time we understand that houses, cars, clothes, and things of this world are not worth keeping us out of heaven (1 John 2:15-17; Mark 8:36, 37; Matthew 6:33). Too many who claim to be Christians are teaching their children to love the world and pay lip service to God, resulting in both the parents and the children being lost.

MAN MUST PUT FAITH ABOVE FEELINGS – The basis of faith is the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Occasionally someone will say, “I would not trade this feeling I have for a stack of Bibles ten feet high.” How ridiculous! Feelings may deceive, for they are affected by outward stimuli. One may feel he is saved when he is not (Proverbs 14:12). Joseph’s father (Jacob) thought his son to be dead and grieved as if he was, but he was alive all the time (Genesis 37:34). One may have strange feelings, good or bad, happy or sad, but feelings do not determine salvation. Rather it is determined by one’s acceptance of the gospel by obedience to it (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 5:9; James 1:21).

MAN MUST PUT SPIRITUAL THINGS ABOVE EARTHLY THINGS – Wholesome recreation is good and is needed. However, it should not keep one from performing their spiritual duties (1 Timothy 4:8). To take time to relax and to refresh one’s self is not wrong, Jesus did so, but relaxation should not be our priority. Hobbies are helpful, but they must not take place of God in our lives (Colossians 3:1, 2). Far too often we leave the wrong impression when we emphasize worldly matters over spiritual matters, resulting in people committing themselves to pursuing that which is wrong.

What is first in our life? The Lord will have first place, or he will have no place (Matthew 10:37, 38). Whatever place He is in our lives is directly related to where we have put Him.

 

 

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