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There is no set time to make changes. But around the end of the year, many people put together their new year’s resolutions. Resolutions are things that a person firmly commits to do, or not to do. Looking back, much of my resolutions were about what I wanted. What I wanted to achieve. They were focused on me.
Matthew 6:33 states: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (NIV). Another translation says it this way: But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides (AMPC).
The word ‘first’ in Matthew 6:33 refers to rank, particularly in terms of order or importance. This means that in all your seeking, God is first. That God is above all else. What does this look like in the life of the believer? Consider the following:
When God is first, we love God more than anyone or anything else.
Matthew 22:37 states: Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (NIV).
When God is first, we are obedient to God.
1 John 5:3 states: For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey] (AMP).
When God is first, we want what God wants.
1 Peter 4:2 states: As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God (NIV).
As believers, what we do should flow out of our love and commitment to God. Whether we are in bad times or good, lack or abundance, sorrow or joy, the posture of our heart should be to love and honor God. To continue to pursue what God desires.
If reading this you can honestly say God is not always first in your life, don’t delay. Join me in making a fresh commitment today. That God will be first in our lives. That we will love God above all else. That we will obey God. That we will want what God wants. I end with Romans 11:36 which states: For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen (AMP).
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domain.
