Notes
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
Put God first. Our minds get pulled in so many different directions; the Bible says to set our mind on godly things. That means to not let our thoughts float to wherever they want to go, and instead to intentionally make our thoughts revolve around God.
Often we want the benefit of a relationship without the commitment. How often with God are we just trying to cover our bases? What would it look like if instead of focusing on checking every religious box, we invite God into every aspect of our lives? Our number one priority should be connecting with the living God, and we do that by pursuing a personal relationship with Him.
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:31-33
Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:4-5
When we put God first, we will see the world differently and the desires of our hearts will be transformed. And we put God first by surrendering to Him. That means laying down our old lives at the cross and leaving them there. Then, we put God first by making Him the master of everything about our lives.
Do everything with God and for God. Get in God’s Word daily, and talk to Him about everything. And show people who He is by the way you conduct yourself everywhere you go, no matter what situation you are in.
Work in doing these things, and God will show you a you that you never thought was possible - the real you made by the Creator of the universe for a purpose.
Group Questions
- What does it mean to “put God first”?
- What is your relationship with God like? Is it focused on “covering your bases” or on having a real relationship with Him?
- Together, brainstorm some ways you can keep God at the center of every part of your life. Now, how can you implement those ideas today?
Prayer
Thank you for desiring a personal relationship with each one of us, and for giving us the tools we need to be transformed. Help us to put you first in every aspect of our lives so that we can live out our purpose.