Growing up in a largely Christian Church environment from a relatively early age I quickly learned the list of religious do’s and don’ts. During my teenage years I was constantly confronted with the dilemma of wanting to serve God while at the same time wanting to fulfill personal goals and desires that seemed contrary to what religion proposed. I discovered I was not alone nor unique! This same challenge confronts every Christian believer. We live in a consumer society obsessed with gadgetry and instant gratification. We crave for bigger and better, bigger homes, bigger TVs, a better career path, a higher salary. Those who have little crave for more, those who have, look to improve the quality of what they possess, those who are well off seek the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. Yet for all, it never seems to be enough.

Paul says in Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

What was Paul’s secret of contentment? He had simply learned to trust and believe God as his supplier. He had learned to rely on God’s grace His unmerited favour, provision and protection. God’s purpose and plan became Paul’s priority. He had a driving passion to serve God and to see His kingdom come in all it’s glory. Nothing could deter Paul, nothing could distract him, nothing else took priority. He had made a choice, God would be No. 1 in his life.
He made this clear in Galatians 2:20 NLT – I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless.

Certainly Paul had a deep conviction and commitment to living for God and that desire led to his life being punctuated by miracles, signs and wonders and a constant release of the power of God. He understood the eternal significance of Jesus sacrifice for him and consequently committed himself to a life of service. So often we want the miracles and the glory of God to be seen through us but fail to comprehend that there is a real cost. That cost is putting God in a place of priority.

Colossians 1:17-18 says He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Is Jesus supreme in our life? Is he the head ? Does He take priority? The early church were committed to God and His ways, they honoured God and He honoured them with His dynamic presence, power and provision. Is it wrong to have personal goals, to want to provide for our families, to want to be able to spoil ourselves or loved ones on occasion ? No of course not, in fact God wants us to enjoy life and be abundantly blessed. Jesus gives us the simple key. Matthew 6:33 “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” Let’s make Him No. 1