Sunday Sermon with Apostle Chisale
GREETINGS, Beloved Nation.
Placing God first in our lives is of utmost importance for us as believers. When we prioritise God at the forefront of our lives, we open ourselves to a life filled with joy, love and grace.
Conversely, when we allow other things to take precedence in our lives, we become disobedient to the word of God. Setting anything above God is akin to establishing an idol in our lives. The Lord clearly instructs us not to have idols (Exodus 20:1-6; 1 John 5:21). As Christians, our primary focus should be on God and serving Him. Even good things, such as family, friends, education, careers, or hobbies, can become idols if we place them above God. While these pursuits are valuable, they must not overshadow our relationship with Him. When we place God first, our lives will experience greater joy.
Sadly, many Christians allow God to occupy a small place in their lives, ranking Him low on their priority scale. Some believe they do God a favour by attending church for just an hour each week. Others may regularly attend church but behave differently outside its walls. Even those who are faithful in their attendance may struggle to tithe 10% of their income or read their Bibles consistently. Often, work, recreation and rest take precedence over God.
This should not be the case.
But what does it mean to “Put God First”?
Putting God first means to love Him above all else. It involves choosing our attitudes, values, responses and how we allocate our time with Him in mind. When asked to do something, we should seek His guidance first, asking, “Is this something you want me to do?” It means being filled with the Holy Spirit and inviting Him to guide and empower us (Ephesians 5:18).
The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:31-33: “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
While food, drink and clothing are undoubtedly important, this verse reminds us to prioritise our relationship with God, trusting Him to provide for all our needs.
It’s easy to become so pre-occupied with addressing our own needs that we neglect our most crucial need: God. When we seek Him above everything else, He will meet every other need we have.
So, how do we put God first in our daily lives? Here are some ways to reinforce God’s primacy in our lives:
1 We give God first place in our hearts
The Bible tells us in Matthew 22:37: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Many have unfortunately given first place to jobs, people, causes, pleasures, or dreams. Remember, your heart is a kingdom and He is the King.
2 We give God the first hour of the day
The Bible states in Psalm 63:1: “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” Spending time alone with God in prayer, Bible reading and meditation is essential. This quiet time centres your mind, heart and soul around God.
3 We give God the first consideration in every decision
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Seek God’s direction for your choices. Consider what the Bible says about your situation. If there’s no specific verse, find principles that apply. Consult godly individuals who understand the Bible and pray about your decision with a submissive spirit. Then, act accordingly. Avoid making decisions without considering God—it reflects pride and self-reliance. Trust God; He will guide your steps to a greater life than you can imagine.
4 We give God the first portion of our pay
The Bible states in Leviticus 27:30: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD.” Tithing is clearly addressed in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus endorsed it. Remember, giving is a test of the heart. God desires your heart more than your money and few things are held more dearly than money.
Do you love God more than your finances? Your tithing record answers that question. Honestly, you cannot afford to withhold God’s tithe. You’ll struggle with debt and savings if robbing God becomes a pattern. Make it a priority to give God the first 10% of your earnings.
Perhaps God once held the top spot in your life, but that has changed. Something or someone else may now occupy the throne of your heart. Other priorities may have crept in, or sin may have led you astray. Pride may have filled your heart. You can make a change today. Repent of this sin and recommit to placing God first in your life.
Return to your first Love! The Bible says in Revelation 2:4–5: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
I invite you to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that He is your Lord and Saviour and you shall be saved.
May God bless you all.
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