In the workplace and in our homes, we often operate by the general policy of “Safety First.” Some workplaces require helmets and goggles, and certain equipment and machinery can only be operated by trained personnel. At home, we don’t run with scissors, and we put plastic covers on electrical outlets. Why? “Safety First!”
What about in our spiritual lives? Do we (and should we) not operate by that same policy? Do we take chances with our souls and our eternal destiny? Or are we focused on “Safety First”? Consider some things of “first” importance in our safety.
It all starts with our Lord. He “first loved us” (1 John 4:19). That’s where it ALL begins!
Our Lord must be our “first love” (Rev. 2:4). “None” other is to be our first love “besides” Him (Psa. 73:25).
Jesus taught that loving the Lord “with all” of our heart is the “first and great commandment” (Matt. 22:37-38).
Of “first importance,” therefore, is the gospel (1 Cor. 15:3-4). We must hear it, obey it and teach it.
Truly, when we hear and know how our Lord loves us and what He has done for us, it ought to cause us to “first” give ourselves “to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5).
As a disciple of Christ, He Himself must “have first place in everything” in my life (Col. 1:18), without any contest.
Having given ourselves “first” to the Lord and giving Him “first place,” it will be all the more natural for us to eagerly place His will first in our lives. That includes the following.
We must “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).
We must recognize “the Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10) as “the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2) and ensure He has priority (Heb. 10:24-25).
“First place” in our lives is not limited to one day of the week, but being “first” in His eyes entails being “servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
Evangelism cannot be a secondary focus, but we must “first” find lost souls and bring them to Jesus (John 1:41).
We must be “first” to seek reconciliation with a brother who has something against us (Matt. 5:23-24).
All of these “first works” that we do (Rev. 2:5), must be prioritized and maintained (Tit. 3:8) throughout our lives.
“Safety first.” We practice it in nearly every part of our lives. What about when it comes to our souls and our relationship with the Lord? Are we keeping first things FIRST?