September 6, 2021: Does God Take First Place in Our Hearts? Or Do We Place Other Things Before Him?

The test of this question will always become evident in our lives. Every time we are put to the test of worrying about things in our life such as money, job, security, family, etc., we are putting that object or circumstance first before God.

Our God is a very jealous God. He wants our full and absolute dedication to Him. He deserves it! God was willing to give up His position as God for us in heaven, become a mortal man, live a holy life for us for thirty-three years and then crucify Himself for us on the cross, in the person of Jesus, so that we may be with Him in heaven someday.

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

That is how much He loves us and expects our full dedication to Him. He is preparing and cleansing us as His Church, to be a pure and chaste bride for our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel, chapter 3. These three friends of Daniel were willing to be thrown into a blazing, fiery furnace than bow down to Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon.

We too come face-to-face each day with the decisions we make, maybe not as severe as Daniel's three friends, but still a choice we must make. Are we going to bow down to the worries of this world? Or are we going to give God our full and absolute honor He deserves?

PERSONAL COMMENT:

As you think whole heartedly on the question above, remember it is impossible for us to live a life fully dedicated to God on our own power. It is only through the "power of the Holy Spirit" and through our "absolute surrender" to Him, can we give Him this kind of dedication. God is willing to help us and give us the power to live in the way that will honor and worship Him, as He deserves. Let us not forget what the Book of Galatians says about the power that lives within us:

Galatians 2: 20 (NKJV)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me".