Today is the first day of a new year, the first day of a new month, and the first day of the rest of my life. As I read my devotions this morning I was reminded of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Martha meant well, but by preparing for the Lord’s presence she was missing out on spending time in His presence. Mary recognized that “only one thing is needed” (v. 42). Luke 9:57-62 shares another story of two men who told Jesus they would follow him…“but first let me go…” I stopped when I read that. Each of them wanted to do something first. How often have I said, “I want to read my Bible and pray, but first I need to ________.” I could think of lots of things that could fill in the blank. Work, school, family, personal hygiene, doctor’s appointments, shopping, updating my status, laundry, dinner–you name it. As each day pressed on, Jesus could easily become the second, third, or last thing on my list, if He made the list.
There is a new movement among us called I am second. Perhaps you have seen this book in the bookstore, or heard it on the radio. This movement drives people to put Christ first in their lives, knowing that by doing so everything else will fall into place. Passionately pursuing Christ means putting him first. Not second. Not third. Not last. Will you join me in putting Him first this day and this year?