Putting God First

Scripture: Luke 9:59-61
Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”

Observation:
These men who wanted to follow Jesus had other things to do first. Bury the father, say goodbye to family. Sounds like pretty important things to do. But nothing -that includes family is more important than following Jesus.

Application:
How many times have I let things take priority over my time with Jesus? I can't even count them all. But I have learned that I need to get my priorities straight...and God should be first on the list. Without even thinking about it or realizing it, I was breaking the 1st commandment. God gave me everything I have, family, friends, home, jobs, etc... why would I even begin to place these in front of him? Sometimes even the small stuff will take a front seat before God. It could be anything like my television/PC, shopping, school, daily life in general. I believe that Satan enjoys getting me so wrapped up with my life, I won't have the energy to spend time with God. By the end of the day I am tired and while I may have good intentions - falling asleep will not help me have a relationship with God.

Prayer:
Dear Lord help me to get my priorities straightened out. Help me to place you first in my life. Help my family know that You are most important above all else. In Jesus name Amen.