Different Life: 1st CommandmentSample

Jesus was different. He put God first in everything. He lived the 1st commandment. The irony, of course, is that Jesus is God. But that didn’t stop him from humbling himself before the Heavenly Father. He didn’t bow down to Satan despite the whole world being offered to him. He didn’t turn from the cross despite the horror it would bring. He knew what God wanted and put God first, above himself. He loved the Father and devoted himself to him, even if that cost him in the short term.

Make no mistake. It can be hard to put God first. Sometimes it will cost you. At times you’ll be tempted to put yourself and other things before him. In those times Jesus invites us to be like him. And to learn from him. Lean into Jesus when you struggle with this commandment. Remember what he did. Put him first. That’s what it means to make him the Lord of your life. By doing so, you’ll bring glory to the Father.

Colossians says Jesus “is the image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15). The word here for “image” is the same as icon or idol. The 1st commandment also says not to make any images of God. Why? There’s one image in the flesh. He’ll show you God better than anything you can construct.

Where are you struggling to put him first today? Where are you looking for an image of God other than in Jesus?