God first

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”(Romans 1:16-17)

Paul had an obligation to God. Realizing what he had been before Christ saved him, he was energized by the opportunities to share Christ with others. Depite the various challenges Paul faced, he never backed down from his obligation to Christ . . . because of his love for Christ! We all love things. We have our personal dreams and aspirations. We have our family relationships and plans for our lives. Yet as good as all these dreams and desires are, none should ever surpass our love for Christ and our desire to do His will. Never should we put God second over our personal or family goals! This is what I believe Jesus meant when he said:

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26-27)

God first . . . then everything and everyone else will fall into place!