PUT LOVE FIRST

Sunday: June 28, 2020

Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

In many competitions, it appears the only position remembered is ‘first place’. Thus, for some people, not being in that spot is a big deal. The words of Jesus today very much follow along the lines of an individual who would be disappointed if placed anywhere but in first place. He sounded like any where else but first place was a no no.

In the book of Exodus, when Moses received the ten commandments, God was categorically clear in describing himself as a ‘jealous God’. Simply, He wants us all for himself, to be top of our priority and preference lists. Every now and then, we get a feeling that at least He should give us some space and accept second place. But He refuses to be second under any circumstances with a clear example in today’s text: “if you place your closest blood relations above me, you are not worthy of me’.

That sounds like being ‘petty’ or obsessive, but looking closely today, it is very much in our interest to put God first place. His reason offered might seem too simplified, yet when I pondered on these words laid on my heart, they made perfect sense: “If you don’t put me at number one, there is no example to follow for whoever you put there”.

Sweetheart, the perfect version of love we can offer stems from the example of God- He is LOVE itself. Therefore, we cannot ignore love and be any good at loving others. When God is first, we have the clearest blueprint of love to replicate. When LOVE himself is top of our list, a downward transmission to others will be done with the least effort.

#sly