In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let good things become idols in our lives. The sermon at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that God remains at the center of our lives. This is a crucial aspect of our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” By keeping God first, we align our lives with His will and experience true fulfillment.
The Danger of Misplaced Priorities
The parable of the great banquet highlights how people often prioritize wealth, work, and relationships over God’s invitation. These things are inherently good, but when they take precedence over God, they become idols. Exodus 20:3 warns us, “You shall have no other gods before me.” This commandment is a reminder that God desires our full devotion and that anything that takes His place in our hearts is an idol.
An Idol Check: Who Do You Worship?
Tim Keller offers a practical way to assess our priorities: “Show me where you spend your time, your money, and your energy, and I will introduce you to your Lord.” This self-assessment can be eye-opening, revealing areas where we may need to realign our focus. It’s important to regularly evaluate our lives and ask ourselves, “Who or what am I truly worshiping?” By doing so, we can identify idols and take steps to remove them.
Study: Aligning with God’s Priorities
By studying scriptures like Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” we learn to prioritize God’s kingdom above all else. This study helps us keep our lives in alignment with His will. At Lakeview, we encourage everyone to engage in regular Bible study as part of our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, Serve. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we gain clarity and direction for our lives.
Share: Encouraging Others to Prioritize God
Sharing our journey of prioritizing God can inspire others to do the same. By being open about our struggles and victories, we create a supportive community where people feel encouraged to seek God first. This is an essential part of our mission to know and love others. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”
Serve: Demonstrating God’s Priority in Action
Service is a powerful way to demonstrate that God is our priority. By serving others, we show that we value God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or helping a friend in need, serving allows us to put our faith into action. James 2:17 reminds us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” At Lakeview, we believe in serving as a reflection of our commitment to God.
Conclusion At Lakeview Christian Church, we strive to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” by keeping God at the forefront of our lives. We invite you to join us in this journey of self-assessment and realignment, ensuring that our lives reflect our worship of the one true God. By studying His Word, sharing our experiences, and serving others, we can live out our faith in a way that honors God and impacts the world around us.
