Christ first requires desire, duty, and delight

In a world that emphasizes self-gratification and material possessions, it can be challenging to put Christ first. However, as followers of Christ, it is essential to prioritize Him above all else. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. This verse serves as a reminder that when we put Christ first, everything else falls into place.

To put Christ first, we must first desire Him. Desire is a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. Psalm 42:1-2 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" We can increase our desire for God through repentance, which is the act of facing and confessing our sins. Repentance creates a deeper thirst for God because we realize how desperately we need Him.

Desiring Christ is a spiritual thing. There is no natural reason for us to desire Him, so we must ask God for that desire. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock, and it will be given to us. God promises to give us a new heart with new and right desires in Ezekiel 36:26-27. Duty links to desire, and it is our moral and legal obligation to obey God. When we obey God, it is proof that He is working in us.

Delight is the other side of duty. When we are obedient to God, we see another side of Him. Psalm 37:3-4 instructs us to trust in the Lord and do good, and He will give us our heart's desires. Taking delight in Jesus means finding joy in Him and the things of Him. Once we find satisfaction and worth in Christ, He will give us the desires of our hearts.

In conclusion, putting Christ first requires desire, duty, and delight. As we prioritize Christ above all else, we can become true disciples who are able to delight in Him. When we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything else falls into place.