First Things First

If you were an alien visiting Earth for the first time, what would you notice about us? What would be your first impression of humankind? What would you say are people's priorities, desires and objectives? The answer may vary, but I would imagine someone visiting us for the first time may notice people who are about themselves.

What does it truly mean to be a church, a person, who is all about God? How can we be people who place God first in our lives and live with Him there every day?

Take a couple of moments to read Matthew 19:16-24. Read this encounter a man has with Jesus.

Notice this was a good man, a Godly man in many respects, and probably very well respected by his community. Notice Jesus' response as the man 'really' wanted to know what it took to be in Heaven:

21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)

Amazing isn't it? Jesus was happy for the man's life and his actions to do good and live according to God's commands. But, Jesus wanted more than the do's and don'ts of life. He wanted more than avoiding certain things and doing certain things. Jesus wanted his heart.

I wonder how often we get sucked into the mentality that life is about "doing" rather than "giving." If we are going to be a church and people who undoubtedly place God first, then we live with Him at the top.

There is an old recipe for rabbit soup that begins with step one: "First, catch rabbit." Whoever came up with this recipe knew how to put first things first.

Let us take first thing first: God. Let us know exactly what our priorities are, what are lives speak and more importantly, what our lives give. Take the words of Christ to heart this week and know God wants you. Your actions are good, but your heart and God's place in your lives is what He truly cares about.