PUTTING GOD FIRST

Spiritual apathy or lack of interest in God is common for many Christians to experience. The sense of disinterest in God is often a symptom of what is really happening in the hearts of Christians. The primary reason for spiritual apathy is distraction. There is too much entertainment or business going on in our lives. Entertainment and being busy are not inherently bad, but when they become a hindrance to our weekly spiritual activities, such as attending church or Bible fellowship, then they are no longer beneficial for us. Sadly, many enjoyable sports activities take place on Sundays. When we find ourselves pursuing entertainment first before God, then it is a matter of time before we will feel distant from God. We will stop attending church altogether. Our busy schedules can drain our energy, leaving us without the strength to attend church or weekly Bible fellowship. Distractions are common for all of us, but they can be managed. Therefore, they should not prevent us from attending church on Sunday and participating in weekly Bible fellowship.

To handle distractions in our lives effectively, we must set our priorities. God wants us to make Him our number one priority. If we list all our activities for a week, where does God appear in our list? Is He in the middle, last, or first? When we find ourselves putting God not first on our list, we need to ask God to help us prioritize Him. When our lives come crashing down on us, the last thing we need is entertainment or a busy schedule; we need God to pull us through our difficulties. When our lives are falling apart, and our families are struggling with challenges, we need God's help. Our lives are more than entertainment and the business of life. God made us for Himself. The more we put God first, the more our lives become manageable and peaceful. Proverbs 3:6 says, "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Let us prioritize God first in everything we do, including in our weekly and monthly schedules. Let us not allow the entertainment and business of life to hinder us from pursuing God, for it is too great a loss when we do not prioritize God first in our lives.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Am I letting entertainment or business dominate my life and overshadow my spiritual activities? Where is God on my list of priorities if I examine it? Why is it important to prioritize first in my life?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, in the midst of life's entertainment and business, please help me always prioritize you. Please help me manage my priorities well. I want to walk closer to you because when I walk with you, my life is more fulfilled and peaceful. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.