We are basing the series on Matthew 6:33 where Jesus encourages us to Seek first the kingdom of heaven". Our main question throughout the series will be "what does a 'God-First Culture' look like in our lives today?" I'm sure you have some ideas, so I'd be interested to hear from you.
Here's some thoughts to get the discussion going. First, let me hasten to say that a God-First culture is very much counter-culture. We live in a Me-First culture, so as we think through what a God-First culture looks like, we also need to think about how it relates to the larger culture in which we live. Here's my short version of a God-First culture: "Loving God and loving others more than you love yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39)
Matthew 6:33 is not the first place where we learn that God wants our list of priorities to pale in comparison to Him. The first of ten commandments in the Old Testament declares, You shall have no other Gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) In the same context, we learn that God is a "jealous God" (20:5). He wants our undivided attention. And yet, we live in a world and culture in which 'competing gods' cry out for our attention. Everywhere in culture today, we are told to heap upon ourselves pleasure and happiness -- "me-first" is the accepted, but empty slogan of our day!
Here is a short list of the many 'gods' which cry out for your time, talent, and treasure--sports, school, success, friends, and carnal pleasures. Many of these potential "idols" are actually good things. So living a God-first culture is sometimes more about having the right priorities. Other times we have to remove those things which are downright destructive to our lives.
Join us sunday as we continue the discussion. See you @ the ARC, Sunday 10:15 AM. Pastor Tom
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