First Place

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31–33 ESV

Jesus said “seek first the kingdom of God and these things will be added to you.” Elijah told the widow, “first make me a little cake and afterward make something for yourself” (1 Kings 17:13). God said “bring all the tithes into the storehouse and then I will bless you” (Mal 3:10). Jesus said “Give (first) and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). God’s love is unconditional but His blessings throughout the Bible depend on our obedience to His word. He wants first place in our life, in all areas. When we focus on the Lord Jesus, everything else will fall into its proper place. When a husband and wife place the Lord first, they will be in unity. When you give God first place in your relationships, you will treat others correctly. When we place ourselves first, it will end in division and frustration. When we all begin to put God first in our life, we will come to unity in spirit and the things that divide us will no longer matter. Denominations will gradually melt away because we all love God, and He does not want His children to fight. We work so hard to just make ends meet, but unless we put Him first financially we will have holes in our pockets (Hag 1:6). In all areas of our life, God wants to be first, and when you do He will bless you beyond your imagination. God is always looking for ways to bless us, but it often requires a step of faith on our part to get it started. Give the Lord first place in your life in all areas, follow His gentle prompting and you will be very happy with your life.