Luke 12v16-21: “Then he spoke a parable to them, saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully and he thought within himself, saying, ‘what shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this; I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

The Lord wants to occupy the place that rightfully belongs to Him in our lives and that is to be number one in our lives. This has been our discussion for some time now. The rich fool in Luke 12v16-21 did not honor God in his life; hence, the reason his life was abruptly terminated. The essence of this story is for us to put God first in all that we do. The focus of our discourse today will be centered on some basic knowledge that we need to have concerning putting God first. This knowledge will help us to better understand the concept of putting God first.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PUTTING GOD FIRST

1. It’s a deliberate action: Putting God first is an intentional and deliberate act. It’s something you have to do voluntarily based on your revelation of His word. God won’t force you to do it but it’s something you have to do yourself. So, have you decided to put God first? (Daniel 1v8).
2. It’s a sacrificial action: Putting God first will cost you something i.e. it’s sacrificial in nature. Are you ready to pay the price? Although it’s a sacrificial action, the PRICE is worth the PRIZE! I want you to know that nothing goes for nothing and putting God first will mean that you have to make sacrifices that will make you better at the end of the day (2 Corinthians   12v15).
3. It’s a beneficial action: Putting God first has tremendous benefits and advantages such as your life getting better, you get to become a better person, you experience God’s unusual help and favor, to mention just a few. One thing is sure and certain when you put God first, you never lose out at the end of the day (1 Samuel  2v30).

My dear reader, I believe you have been blessed and enlightened. Furthermore, putting God first in your life,  may the fruits of this revelation be manifest in all areas of your life.

Other Scriptural References: (Matthew 6 v 33; Psalm 132 v 1-5; 1 Kings 17 v 13; Luke 10-38-42; Genesis 22 v 1; Acts 11 v 23).

Prayer for Today: Father God, I come against everything that is contending and contesting against your place and position in my life today. I receive your grace to overcome in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: Father, I acknowledge your supremacy over my life and I decide from today to put you as number one. You come first in everything for you are my Lord and Saviour. I refuse to allow people, the world or my ambition to subvert your place in my life. I honour you today and always. Nothing or nobody can ever take your place in my life. Lord, help me to keep you first all the time in my life and endeavours in Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.