Last time we talked about the first rule for Living …. Priority.  Today we are talking about the second rule for getting control in an upside down world…“Rules from the boss.”

This is a matter of putting our relationship with God first in everything we do.  God says at one point, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways” (Isa 55:8).  Some people might say, “My family comes first.  I’m not sure I can put God before my family.”  Or, “My job is what puts the meat on the table.  If I don’t work, my family won’t eat!”  God would never call us to do anything that in the long run would be detrimental to our family.  But even good things like our family or a job, can become an idol. 

I believe we are called to offer these “good things” that are taking priority before God, to God on the altar just like Abraham was willing to put his son, Isaac.  Our heart attitude should be, “Lord, you give and you take away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord!” 

 So the rule is God first, family second, work third, and ministry fourth.

 LET’S LOOK AT WHAT THE WORD SAYS:

 Col 3:1 - 4:5

 PRIORITY NUMBER 1: Christ

 1          Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

2          Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

3          For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

4          When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5          Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

6          Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.

7          You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

8          But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

9          Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

10        and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

11        Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12        Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

13        Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14        And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15        Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.