There has been a lot of buzz lately around someone being the first to do something.
If you haven’t been living under a rock, we’ve recently inaugurated our first woman Vice President, first woman Secretary of Treasury, and first black Secretary of Defense.
More personally, though, when my daughter was born two years ago, she was my first child and the first grandbaby for my in-laws. It was a joyous occasion. And we will never forget that she was the first.
As I reflect on “firsts,” I am reminded of how Jesus was the first (and only) to do many things.
Jesus was the first to live a sinless life.
Jesus was the first to die for our sins.
Jesus was the first to satisfy the wrath of God.
Jesus was the first true messiah.
Jesus was the first and the last. Period.
And at the end of the day, all of our worldly achievements pale in comparison.
When this world has passed away, what we’ve gained won’t matter at all.
Colossians 3:1-4 calls Christians to focus on heaven and not on the things of this world.
Matthew 6:20 tells us to invest in our heavenly reward and not our earthly possessions where “moth and rust destroy.”
James 4:14 delivers a sobering message by reminding us that our life is “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
Achievement is not a bad thing. But the Bible is clear that we should not put our emphasis on earthly things.
My challenge for you is to take inventory of your life and identify areas that you have made more important than your relationship with Jesus.
