Have you ever put someone before God? Instead of focusing on Him, you put all your focus on one thing or on one person. This is not right. God should always be first. I have made this mistake myself, and it hurts to even talk about it.
Bonded in Friendship
When I was in my senior year of high school, I spent a lot of time with my best friend, Jeffrey. Jeffrey and I were inseparable. We became so close that he eventually broke up with his girlfriend (you can read the full story from my book, “First Love Lost, True Love Gained”). I ended up falling for Jeffrey and I began to put him before God.
Love Lost and Lessons Learned
I went from reading three chapters in the Bible each day to only reading one chapter. I also was not praying as often. When I made Jeffrey my focus instead of God, my whole perspective on life changed. I began to make decisions that God did not approve of. For example, I was watching R-rated movies now that I was 17 years old. I also began to listen to secular music more than Christian music. This really affected my spiritual life. I did not even go to church every week. My good character was being corrupted (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Spiritual Drift
At one point in the summer after my senior year, there was a rift in my relationship with Jeffrey. We did not spend any time together until the end of the summer before I left to go to ministry school. We made up, and I still felt in my heart that he was the one for me.
Returning to God’s Embrace
After being in ministry school for a couple of months, I felt like I needed to repent. God was not speaking to my heart like He once did, and I was missing Him. I told God that I was sorry for putting Jeffrey first. I sought Yahweh, and He was there. He touched my heart and helped me to walk after Him.
Practical Steps to Prioritize God
God loves us so much and He wants to have a relationship with us. I want to encourage you to spend time with God every day. It is important to get to know who He is by reading the Bible, praying, meditating on His Word, and listening to Him. It is also important for believers to be surrounded by other believers on a regular basis. Having Bible studies, going to church, fellowshiping at one another’s house, and participating in various other outings with the body of Messiah are all very encouraging to one’s faith.
The Invitation to Surrender
If you are having a difficult time putting God first, you should ask yourself, why? What is holding you back? God is patient and He will keep calling you to Him. Will you answer today? Will you say, “Yes” to His will? A song that I find very encouraging is called, “Yes”, by Shekinah Glory. It helps me to think about God and submitting to His will. May the Lord bless you and give you wisdom and understanding as you seek His face.
These are great words of encouragement and wisdom. Thank you!!
You’re welcome! May the Lord bless you and give you wisdom as you seek His face!