FIRST IN ALL THINGS!

FIRST IN ALL THINGS!

Col 1:18

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

          It is not that the modern Christian has stopped loving God, on the contrary, they “like” Him a lot. The problem is that Christ is not first in their thinking nor in their lives and that is His rightful place. I think this one fact is the frustration felt by most ministers and it is what hinders most ministries. If Christ occupied the first place then most preaching could be muted.

          Is He first in your thoughts? Does Christ occupy a preeminent, or even a prominent, place in your plans and goals? When you’re at a family gathering, is He part of the conversation? When at social functions is He safely tucked away in some forgotten church pew waiting for you to return? I know some who can tell you the names of players on their favorite sports team but they can’t remember the topic of last week’s Sunday School lesson.

          Is He first in your church considerations? If there is a conflict between attending worship or attending an entertaining event, which wins your heart? Are you faithful to your place of service in the church? Do you miss important functions leaving a gaping hole in the ministry? Do you think your absence is unimportant?

          Is He first in your family? Is Jesus a major part of the family? Does the family pray together regarding major decisions? Mothers, and some fathers, dote on their children until it is clear that those children guide major decisions of the family. The children receive the worship which should be reserved for God alone.

          Is He first in your day? Is the early morning hours reserved for a quiet time with God? Do you spend a few moments reviewing the problems of yesterday and the plans for today? Do you ask Him to guide your choices in the day ahead? Do you tell Him again how much you love Him for His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection? Do you thank Him for his loving kindness and His bountiful provision. This should begin each day.

Dear Lord, in so many things I have replaced you with myself. I have ripped you from the throne and have climbed upon it myself. Though a knave, I govern myself, often resulting in my own harm. Oh, God! Let me kneel before you and give you the first place in my life today. AMEN