Culture is a powerful force. It shapes our thoughts, our decisions, and even our vision of reality. But for those who belong to the kingdom of God, there is a higher culture—one that places God first in everything.
God first means recognizing His supreme authority and following His leadership above all else.
As 1 Timothy 2:1 reminds us, God’s government is unshakable. The Bible shows us countless examples of leadership failures, proving that when human systems operate outside of God’s influence, they lead to disappointment and hopelessness.
When you become a citizen of God’s kingdom, you must be conscious of the fact that you are in a higher system, one that calls for courage to go against the flow of the world.
God first is a lifestyle, a commitment to live by the principles of heaven even when they clash with earthly norms.
Some of us have mastered the message:
“Repent so you can go to heaven.” But God’s main message is, “Change your life, because heaven is HERE!” (Matthew 4:17).
When we put God first, we experience the fullness of His kingdom on earth. Heaven is not just a future destination; it’s a present reality for those who walk in obedience to God’s ways.
We are not meant to be swallowed up by the culture of this world. Instead, earth is meant to be a colony of heaven (Matthew 6:10). That means our values, actions, and priorities must align with God’s system. Putting God first transforms how we approach work, relationships, and even our struggles.
While human rulers often demand sacrifice from their people, our King sacrificed His only Son for us.
His kingdom is built on love, not oppression. God first means embracing His love as our guiding principle.
The world tells us that our value comes from what we wear, what we own, and how much we hustle. But Jesus teaches the opposite: our value is intrinsic (Matthew 6:24-34). We don’t have to be preoccupied with “getting” so that we can receive God’s “give.” When we put God first, we enter into His worry-free system, trusting that He will provide all we need.
Too many people reject God’s kingship, choosing self-rule or worldly leadership instead (1 Samuel 8:10-20). But true peace and fulfillment come when we surrender completely and say, God first in all things.
An excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Sam Adeyemi on Sunday, February 2, 2025
Watch this sermon here
