Put GOD First

FIRST THINGS FIRST

We have all heard this phrase but we interpret it differently. 

What does it mean to you?

Here are a few options:

1. Do what others tell you.
2. Do as you please.
3. Follow God’s guidance.

It can mean do the most urgent task, the most enjoyable or the most likely to find favour with God.

The key to a joyful, worthwhile life is to combine 2 and 3, so that your wishes align with God’s.

How do you do that?

PUT GOD FIRST

“AND WHATEVER YOU DO, IN WORD OR DEED, DO EVERYTHING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM”.

COLOSSIANS 3:17

Putting God first means making decisions in line with his teachings. It is easy to discern God’s wishes. Just ask yourself three questions:

1. Does this comply with the Bible teachings?
2. Is it an action I need to hide?
3. Does this offend God?

If you consider these aspects for every decision then you will not stray far from God’s path. 

We often know the correct thing to do, but hope that we can stretch the boundaries.

WHAT SINS ARE YOU JUSTIFYING?

Some are easy to spot:

Fiddling your taxes… justification… taxes are too high.

Stealing a pen from work… justification… I am underpaid.

Hitting your sibling… justification… he shouldn’t have would me up.

Lying… justification… it doesn’t hurt anyone.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?

This is crucial to know. 

Working out what you value will help identify your decision making. 

If it is important to you to appear nice… you will make decisions to please others. 

If it is important to you to appear intelligent… you will make decisions to make yourself look good. 

If it is important to you to have a wealthy lifestyle… you will make decisions to put money first.

WHAT DO YOU PRIORITISE?

This is the next stage. 

Now you know your values how do you spend your time and what do you think about?

Where is God in your decision making?

BUT SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE ADDED TO YOU.

MATTHEW 6:33

Using the questions above, you can work out what decisions are in God’s will. 

Then pray to God for the Holy Spirit to give you discernment to discover God’s will and the strength to carry it through. 

The more you follow God’s will the easier it becomes. 

Perhaps it is like any habit or perhaps as you mature as a Christian you truly align your wishes with God’s. 

You want to please God because pleasing him pleases you.

DEAR GOD OUR FATHER WE ASK THAT YOU SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT TO HELP US KNOW YOUR WILL AND TO FOLLOW YOUR WILL DAY BY DAY. IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY. AMEN