"Me First," says Jesus.
Written by Narnian
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 04:00 AM.
"Me First!" Not something we would typically think about or see as a Biblical example to follow. But, I was listening to a pastor on the radio yesterday, and something he said sparked this thought: Not me saying, "Me first," but Jesus saying, "Me first."
For some this may have clicked, but I'm joing to explain just a little farther for clarity.
When we say, "Me first," doesn't that sound selfish?...and yeah, it is. That's a trap and temptation I think many of us fall into...often. But here's a proposal: What if Jesus said, to us, "Me first?" Not meaning that he is saying, "Hey, I want my selfishness to take presidence over you or others." No, He's not saying that! When Jesus says, "Me first," He is telling us, "I want your priorities, preferences, mental focuses, selfish desires, even good wants...to take a back seat to me." Ok, let me correct myself here; I believe, Jesus doesn't want us to be selfish...sorry about that. When Jesus, says, "Me first," this is a healthy instruction and reminder, that He wants me, you, and all of us to put Himself as number one in our lives. I think it will please Him, if we seek His will first and think about Him in our minds. Ask ourselves, What does Jesus want? No, not ourselves; let's ask Him, "Lord, Help me please to keep my focus on you first in my life. Let my thoughts, words, and actions be what you want me to do. And please help me to yield (surrender) to what you have for me to do. For, I agree (and know) that your ways are best for me. I trust in you. I want to follow you first in my life, and do your will, instead of sometimes stiffleing your promping of your Holy Spirit and trying or doing what I want to do or my own desires. Thank you Lord; Amen."
Wanting to do something we want to do, is not always bad. But, let us try to remember Jesus and keep our mind on Him and His Father. "Lord, How can I please you today? What would you have me do?" I think this is a good way to please God, when we listen to and obey His Holy Spirit. And putting His desires before our own, with faithful obedience.
Agapo and God Bless.
"If you love me you will keep my commands, and my command is this: Love one another."
A good example of this is putting others before ourselves. But, Supremely, "God first." :)
