CHRISTIAN LIFE & GROWTH

Priorities in the Christian Life

#1. God

By Dr. Ron Tardif (D.Div. C.C.)

Priorities in the Christian Life: The Series

Overview
Priority #1: God
Priority #2: Spouse
Priority #3: Children
Priority #4: Occupation
Priority #5: Ministry

Of the 5 priorities mentioned, this one is unquestionably the most important of all. When people are asked what their priorities are, God is usually on the list somewhere. When you ask where He should be, most people get it right and place Him at the top. However, people don't realize that He just may not be on the top of the list, or even on the list at all.

So, how is one to make and keep God as the first and foremost priority of all? Here are 3 suggestions:

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

First, it is a known fact that the mind can't do two things at once. Oh, we might be able to walk and chew gum, but we can't think on more than one thing at a time. If we commit ourselves to praying, continually, we will go far in putting God first in our lives. We can't think sinful thoughts if we are in a conversation with God, and that's what praying without ceasing is — talking to God. We need to occasionally at least learn to turn off the car stereo system in the morning commute and talk to God. Sure, the phone rings, people ask us questions that require we think about giving the correct answer. But shortly after that, return to praying to God. A casual conversation of what's on our mind, trials of the day, etc. is all that we need to do to keep this bible passage honored.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
Psalms 1:1-2

Second, Scripture tells us that we are blessed when we think on the things of God. Meditate day and night, we are told. The result is a promise from God that we will be blessed. A dad or mom in the home who is blessed of the Lord is a blessing to all those in the room with him/her. This is also true of the spouse who is blessed to have such a helpmate in their lives. Thinking of biblical promises made to us by our Creator is an Awesome thing.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. John 4:23

The third suggestion is to figure out the way to TRULY and accurately worship God. He tells us that true worshipers will worship Him two ways: in Spirit and in truth. "In Spirit" tells us that we are to worship Him not with the use of external physical things, but with our heart and mind. Reflect on His awesomeness and Who He is. Connect that to yourself. Who are you to associate with such a marvelous God? We worship Him "in truth" recognizing that He is ALL perfect, and we are sinners. We qualify to exist in His creation solely because Jesus died for us. The truth is that we don't deserve His mercy, grace, and love. Truly what we deserve is not pretty at all. However, because of the blood of Christ, we have a second chance. We can come into His presence, knowing we are sinners, and survive, because Jesus made us white as snow. So, when we approach Him to worship Him, in Spirit and in truth, we can actually worship Him, just like he desires from us.

Reading His word daily, finding and getting involved in a bible preaching church, bible studies, are all ways to get super saturated in God. These will go far in helping you to place God at the forefront of your life, #1, where He desires to be.

1. Think on the Lord first and last thing in the day;
2. Turn off distractions (radio, TV, computer, smart phones) and meditate on Him;
3. Talk to Him all day long. After people have interrupted you, remember to return quickly to Him;
4. Confess your sins at a minimum, hourly;
5. Ask often, "What would Jesus do?" and "What would Jesus say?";
6. Try to see sinners from a "saved" position, at all times;
7. Forgive, as the Lord forgives you — quickly, completely, and every time.

Tags: Biblical-Truth | Christian-Life | God-Father | Sin-Evil

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Published on 1-31-17