Forever Connected – (Part 2 of 5)
Feb
Part 2: God First: The Discipline and Wisdom to Prioritize the Divine
In a world filled with distractions, commitments, and ever-increasing demands, prioritizing God may seem challenging. Yet, placing God at the center of our lives is not just a command; it is the key to experiencing true peace, purpose, and power. In this second installment of the Forever Connected series, we explore what it means to put God first, the discipline it requires, and the wisdom it brings to our lives.
The Principle of “God First”
The principle of prioritizing God is rooted in Scripture. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse reveals a divine order: when we place God’s kingdom above all else, everything we need—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—will follow.
Placing God first is not merely a matter of saying the words or attending religious services. It is a deliberate act of surrendering our time, resources, and choices to align with His will. It involves recognizing that God is the source of our being and the foundation upon which everything else rests.
The Discipline of Prioritizing God
Placing God first requires discipline. Discipline, often misunderstood as restrictive, is in fact liberating when applied to our spiritual lives. It involves intentional actions that keep our focus on God despite life’s distractions.
1. Time with God
One of the most practical ways to prioritize God is by dedicating time to Him daily. This could involve prayer, studying Scripture, or simply sitting in His presence. Just as we make time for loved ones and important activities, we must make time for God. This commitment demonstrates our acknowledgment of His sovereignty over our lives.
Consider the example of Daniel, who prayed three times a day despite living in a foreign land and facing opposition. His disciplined prayer life not only sustained his faith but also brought him divine wisdom and protection. Similarly, making time for God strengthens our connection and equips us with the spiritual resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
2. Obedience to God’s Word
Another aspect of discipline is obeying God’s commands, even when it is inconvenient or countercultural. Obedience is a tangible expression of our trust in God and our willingness to place His will above our desires. As Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).
Obedience requires humility and a willingness to submit to God’s wisdom, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). When we follow His guidance, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and walk in alignment with His purpose.
3. Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
In a world saturated with distractions, prioritizing God requires vigilance over what we allow into our hearts and minds. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This means being mindful of the media we consume, the company we keep, and the thoughts we entertain.
By filling our minds with God’s Word and surrounding ourselves with a community of faith, we create an environment that supports our commitment to putting God first. This discipline helps us maintain focus and resist the pull of worldly distractions.
The Wisdom of Prioritizing God
When we prioritize God, we gain access to divine wisdom—an understanding that surpasses human reasoning. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a deep spiritual insight that guides our decisions and shapes our lives.
1. Clarity of Purpose
Prioritizing God brings clarity to our purpose. When we align our lives with His will, we begin to see the bigger picture and understand our role in His divine plan. This clarity helps us make decisions that honor God and fulfill our calling.
Consider the story of Moses, who initially doubted his ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. By prioritizing God’s voice and direction, Moses discovered his purpose and became one of the greatest leaders in biblical history. Similarly, placing God first allows us to uncover our unique purpose and walk confidently in it.
2. Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Life is often unpredictable and filled with challenges. However, when God is at the center of our lives, we experience a peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace is not the absence of trouble but the assurance that God is in control, even in the midst of chaos.
The story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee illustrates this principle. While the disciples panicked, Jesus remained calm and rebuked the storm. His unwavering peace came from His connection to the Father. When we prioritize God, we too can experience this unshakable peace, regardless of our circumstances.
3. Guidance in Decision-Making
One of the greatest benefits of prioritizing God is receiving His guidance in decision-making. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we seek God first, He provides the wisdom and direction needed to navigate life’s complexities.
King Solomon is a prime example of this principle. When given the opportunity to ask for anything, Solomon chose wisdom to lead God’s people. His decision to prioritize God’s guidance resulted in a reign marked by prosperity and peace. Similarly, when we seek God’s wisdom, we make choices that align with His will and bring about lasting success.
Challenges to Putting God First
While the benefits of prioritizing God are immense, the journey is not without challenges. Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them:
- Busyness: In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to become overwhelmed with responsibilities and neglect our relationship with God. To overcome this, we must intentionally carve out time for God and view it as a non-negotiable priority.
- Distractions: Social media, entertainment, and other distractions can pull our attention away from God. Practicing mindfulness and setting boundaries can help us stay focused on what truly matters.
- Doubt and Fear: Sometimes, we may doubt God’s ability to meet our needs or fear the consequences of putting Him first. In such moments, we must remind ourselves of His faithfulness and trust in His promises.
Practical Ways to Put God First
To overcome these challenges and prioritize God, consider the following practical steps:
- Begin Your Day with God: Start each day with prayer, gratitude, and reflection on Scripture. This sets a positive tone and aligns your heart with God’s purposes.
- Practice Sabbath Rest: Dedicate time each week to rest and focus on God. This practice not only refreshes your soul but also reinforces the principle of “God first.”
- Give Generously: Prioritizing God includes honoring Him with your resources. Tithing and acts of generosity demonstrate your trust in His provision.
- Involve God in Your Decisions: Before making significant decisions, seek God’s guidance through prayer and meditation on His Word.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly thank God for His blessings. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have and strengthens your connection to Him.
Conclusion
Placing God first is both a discipline and a source of wisdom. It requires intentional effort to prioritize Him above all else, but the rewards are immeasurable. When we put God at the center of our lives, we gain clarity, peace, and guidance that transform our journey.
As we continue this Forever Connected series, let us commit to the discipline and wisdom of prioritizing the divine. By doing so, we unlock the fullness of life that comes from being forever connected to God.
©
STOP the Genocide. We demand a Ceasefire NOW. Save Palestine NOW. GOD is LOVE♥
Faithful followers of Jesus Christ watch and pray – we are in dark times. Trust NO-ONE until they show themselves trustworthy. They must earn our TRUST.
Until Next time, Keep Believing, Keep Hoping & Keep Loving.
Peace. Daniel – The Christian Activist & Warrior
Remember, Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.
Thank you, and God Bless
