Make God Your First Priority
Sunday, November 1
Revelation 3:15-17 (NIV)
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
Devotion
God is calling His people to live with wholehearted devotion to Him. In Revelation 3:15–17, Jesus rebukes the church of Laodicea for being lukewarm and deceived by its own sense of self-sufficiency. They believed they had everything they needed, yet they failed to recognize their spiritual condition. Their material comfort had blinded them to their need for God.
This is a sobering warning for every believer. It is possible to become so occupied with pursuing success, wealth, comfort, and personal ambitions that God gradually takes second place in our lives. We may appear to be doing well outwardly while neglecting the very thing that matters most: our relationship with the Lord. Jesus is calling us to examine our hearts and make a firm resolve to live for Him wholeheartedly.
Jesus taught us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that the things we need will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). When we make God our first priority, we bring every other pursuit under His lordship. Our careers, families, ambitions, and daily responsibilities find their proper place when Christ occupies the throne of our hearts. We must never allow the pursuit of what is temporary to distract us from what is eternal.
Our ultimate destination is our heavenly home, and we must live each day with eternity in view. Philippians 2:12 calls us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This means taking our walk with God seriously, living in reverence before Him, obeying His Word, and remaining faithful to the end. We do not earn salvation through our works; rather, we respond to God's grace by living lives that honor the One who saved us.
We are also called to be instruments in the hands of our Redeemer, using our time, gifts, resources, and opportunities to fulfill His purposes. Ephesians 5:15–16 urges us to walk wisely, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Every day presents an opportunity to serve God, encourage someone, share the Gospel, demonstrate His love, and make an eternal difference.Let us put first things first: God first, His kingdom first, and His will above our own. May we be found faithful when we finally stand before Him.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for the times I have allowed other things to take Your place in my heart. Awaken me from spiritual complacency and give me a wholehearted devotion to You. Teach me to seek Your kingdom first, live in reverence before You, and use my life as an instrument for Your glory. Help me redeem the time and remain faithful until I reach my heavenly home. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Examine your priorities today. Identify one area where God has taken second place, and take a practical step to put Him first. Ask yourself: Am I living for what is temporary, or am I preparing for eternity?
Resources
- Make God your first priority! Watch this short clip, “Seek First His Kingdom,” and be encouraged to put Him first in every area of your life, trusting Him to provide all you need.
- You have a place at Free Chapel this morning! Join us in person at a campus near you or worship with us online. Let’s gather together, lift up the name of Jesus, and experience His presence!