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“God Wants First Place in Your Heart”
In today’s society, many base their worth upon wealth, how high they are on the “corporate ladder,” how successful their business is, or even simply who they know.
But if our view of significance is established upon these things, we will only feel good about ourselves when we are flourishing in these areas. When our wealth and success diminish, our self-worth will also because our foundation is not solid. Jesus describes it this way:
“But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:49
Our identity is only as solid as the foundation we place it upon. By establishing our identity on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ, our sense of fulfillment in life will not depend upon the changing condition of temporal things.
When Christ is our foundation, our stability is like this:
“He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Luke 6:48
Think for a moment of the many choices in life you may have to build your foundation of significance upon. These may include wealth, career, looks, family, fame, power, or who you know. Are there others you can think of? Of all the things to establish our identity upon, only Jesus assures us of victorious Christian living.
But if you examine the other choices, none are bad or inherently evil. In fact, in many respects, they are very important areas of responsibility God has given us in our lives. But in the book of Matthew, Jesus helps us find balance.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:25-26
When we resolve this truth in our own lives, we find peace and fulfillment, free from worry and anxiety. This balance is achieved when we put Jesus first in all areas of our lives.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
We all have dreams, goals, and aspirations because God designed us to. But putting Jesus first should lead you to examine your priorities and motives as to why you aspire to do or attain the things you desire. When He is first in your dreams and aspirations, you’re future will be filled with greatness and joy!
When God does bring a questionable motive to your attention, your most important responsibility should be a willingness to make changes. Change can be difficult at times, but God always has our best in mind and wants you to grow spiritually.
In today’s society, many base their worth upon wealth, how high they are on the “corporate ladder,” how successful their business is, or even simply who they know.
But if our view of significance is established upon these things, we will only feel good about ourselves when we are flourishing in these areas. When our wealth and success diminish, our self-worth will also because our foundation is not solid. Jesus describes it this way:
“But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:49
Our identity is only as solid as the foundation we place it upon. By establishing our identity on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ, our sense of fulfillment in life will not depend upon the changing condition of temporal things.
When Christ is our foundation, our stability is like this:
“He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Luke 6:48
Think for a moment of the many choices in life you may have to build your foundation of significance upon. These may include wealth, career, looks, family, fame, power, or who you know. Are there others you can think of? Of all the things to establish our identity upon, only Jesus assures us of victorious Christian living.
But if you examine the other choices, none are bad or inherently evil. In fact, in many respects, they are very important areas of responsibility God has given us in our lives. But in the book of Matthew, Jesus helps us find balance.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:25-26
When we resolve this truth in our own lives, we find peace and fulfillment, free from worry and anxiety. This balance is achieved when we put Jesus first in all areas of our lives.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
We all have dreams, goals, and aspirations because God designed us to. But putting Jesus first should lead you to examine your priorities and motives as to why you aspire to do or attain the things you desire. When He is first in your dreams and aspirations, you’re future will be filled with greatness and joy!
When God does bring a questionable motive to your attention, your most important responsibility should be a willingness to make changes. Change can be difficult at times, but God always has our best in mind and wants you to grow spiritually.
About this Plan
Giving God first place in our lives is not a one-time event . . . it’s a life-long process for every Christian. Whether you’re new to the faith or a “veteran” follower of Christ, you’ll find this plan to be easy to understand and apply, and a highly effective strategy for victorious Christian living. Taken from the book, “Out of This World: A Christian’s Guide to Growth and Purpose” by David J. Swandt
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