This mindset is problematic. Here’s why:
First (adjective) – being before all others with respect to time, order, rank, importance.
(Adverb) – before all others or anything else in time, rank or order
(Noun) – person or thing that is first
Aren’t we suppose to put God before everything and everyone in our lives?
True, to an extent.
Before is a preposition. Previous to, in front of, in preference to or rather than.
The scripture most popularly referenced to this mindset is Matthew chapter 6 v 33
“but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Out of context it doesn’t contradict the philosophy at all. In context, we must consider what Jesus was talking about. He was referring to earthly treasures and the cares of this world. Reminding us that everything on earth is temporary , even our condition of need. Encouraging us not to worry about our lives (what we will eat, drink or wear) because we don’t exhibit great faith in God by worrying about the things he knows we need. And the world runs after these things, sometimes in a compromising way. Instead seeking first the kingdom of God AND his righteousness and all these things will be given to us as well.
Oft times we aren’t reaping any benefits of God, by simply “keeping God first”. We haven’t acknowledged the fact that their are other gods in our lives (Deuteronomy 5 v6-8) and we don’t know what His kingdom is or what His righteousness looks like.
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 10 v. 3-4
We are just embracing a feel good quote by misinterpreting a scripture. Most of the time I see this quote as a response to situations totally unrelated to the scripture!
So let’s just imagine what keep God first looks like in terms of the preposition that it is.
When something is first it is ahead of others things. Line up a few pennies in a row. The first coin isn’t any different than the others outside of its position. It’s on the same level. Slide those coins off the surface and unto your hand. Can you tell which one was first?
We prioritize and think we are doing good by putting God at the top of our lists , oft times making it easy for us to reorder if it doesn’t fit our time of importance.
Here is what I call leaving cracks. When you leave cracks in your vessel you allow our adversary Satan the room to come in (in this case, through society’s ungodly catch phrases) and the influence causes holes. The holes get bigger and before you know it, you are so distracted you aren’t actually living out His will for your life at all. Nor are you in a condition to be filled, and used.
Now let’s examine how different our lives would be if we change our perspective by changing our language. What would happen if we placed God above all?
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Colossians 2 v 20-23
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3 v 1-2
Above (adverb) – in at a higher place, higher in rank, authority or power.
Synonyms : raised, on high, superior
Doesn’t it seem the true position God should have in our lives is above and not just first? Some would argue that it’s merely a choice of words, words that mean the exact same thing. However it’s actually a mindset. We are subconsciously demeaning God. Let’s not put The Lord God Almighty on the same level of the trivial things on earth. Lets acknowledge Him for who he is.
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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. Proverbs 3 v.1-6
May The Lord bless!
Feeding Body & Spirit 