“Let Me First . . .”

On one occasion Christ heard these words, “I will follow thee, but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house” (Luke 9:61). Some say, when confronted with the passionate pleas of the Gospel, “Let me first get my education, a better job, a home, a new automobile, and the other necessary things of life.”

These folks have a place for Christ in their lives – second place!  They seem convinced that material security will somehow prepare them to follow Christ. Such a perception fails to grasp the meaning of Christ’s words: “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).  Many have actually reversed the saying of Christ and are seeking first the wealth of the world thinking the kingdom of God will be added unto them. To gain the entire world and to lose Christ is to lose all (Mark 8:36,37)

There is nothing wrong with having a good education, a better job, a home, a new or better car. The harm is in allowing these things to take precedence over the things of God’s kingdom. What is first in your life? Is it money, pleasure, education, or is it Christ Jesus?

– by Michael W. McLemore