It is easy to say God comes first in our lives, but do our actions reflect those words? Sometimes, without even realizing it, we allow other things or people to take a higher place in our hearts than God. It may be our children, spouse, family, career, finances, friendships, ambitions, or even our desire to please others.
In 1 Samuel 2:29, God asks Eli a very serious question:
“Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?” — 1 Samuel 2:29
These words were spoken because Eli had failed to correct his sons, even though he knew they were dishonoring God. Instead of putting God’s instructions first, he allowed his love and loyalty toward his sons to take priority over his obedience to the Lord.
Honoring God above everything may sometimes require losing out on opportunities, friendships, and relationships, all for the sake of pleasing Him. It means that nothing should ever take priority over our relationship with Him. We should never compromise our faith, ignore His instructions, or disobey His Word just to keep someone happy, not even ourselves.
God doesn’t want to be just another part of our lives. He wants to be first in our lives.
Today, take an honest look at your life. Examine your priorities, relationships, decisions, and the things that receive most of your attention. Ask yourself: Am I honoring God above everything and everyone else, or have I allowed something or someone to take His place?
The good news is that when God speaks, we have an opportunity to make things right. Let us not become so attached to people, possessions, positions, or personal desires that we forget the One who deserves our greatest honor.
May the God of the Bible bless you!
Bishop Bira Joshua
