The Doorpost: Love Him first and foremost
By Ray King · Dec 25, 2013
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26
The first man and woman were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Probably none of us fully understand all the implications of that statement, but one important aspect of being made in His image is that we are the only created beings on earth who can love God and enjoy fellowship with Him.
The first temptation Satan offered in the Garden of Eden was the false promise that it is possible to improve on being made in God’s image. Adam and Eve believed this lie and disobeyed God, breaking their fellowship with Him. Since then, all of their descendants (that’s us) have had a longing that only a relationship with God can fill.
We try to satisfy this longing in many different ways (Romans 1:25). We may seek pleasure, power, or the companionship of other creatures. We may devote ourselves to doing good or to religious activity. Perhaps the most subtle trap of all is that we may devote ourselves to serving God in some way, trying to satisfy our longing for Him, but still failing to really love Him and fellowship with Him (Luke 10:38-41).
Jesus said that the first and greatest commandment is, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). We need to love Him first, above every person, activity, or thing. May we all devote ourselves to worshiping Him in loving and thankful adoration, not just attempt to serve Him.