There are so many verses in the scripture that speak about putting Jesus first or seeking Him first. The first verse that comes to mind is Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
This verse comes after the sermon on the mount. Jesus is telling the listeners to not worry about what they will eat or drink but seek Him first and everything you need will be added to you. This emphasis is not just in the New Testament. It was also a value that the Old Testament prophets exhorted the people of God to do as well. Notice Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
Does putting Jesus first allow me to live life as I please and treat people any way I like? Is it correct to call oneself and “follower” of Jesus or a “Christian” yet never crack open the scripture or even spend one minute in prayer and believe you’re putting Jesus first?
The Apostle Paul was having issue with the church of Corinth in this regard. They called themselves “Christians” and were the most “gifted” churches of the New Testament yet were the most “carnal” church of its time. In fact, Corinth is not even listed as one of the seven churches of Revelation. Had they already lost their “lampstand” when Jesus came to write the churches? Paul exhorted the church in 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV).
“5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”
Paul was not alone in his concern. The Apostle Peter addressed the church in the same way in his letter, 2 Peter 1:10-11
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Peter’s litmus test is found in the few verses prior in 2 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV)
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.”
It seems that from a scriptural standpoint, being a follower of Jesus involves much more than simply calling yourself one. It is certainly more than just following a few Biblical principles and hoping that that is enough to “get by”. It seems that to become a follower of Jesus, one must lose their life for the purpose of picking up His. The rich young ruler of Matthew 19:16-22 (ESV) failed miserably. One must come to Jesus realizing He is Lord of all, not just a “good teacher”.
By correctly examining yourself will open an entrance into eternal life according to Peter. Jesus, Himself said that not everyone who calls Him “Lord, Lord” will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, Matthew 7:21 (ESV)
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”
Perhaps the first place to examine yourself is the Love that you have for the Lord and your neighbor. Jesus said this in Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV)
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
So, putting Jesus first involves putting Jesus in every place of your life. Consulting Him on everything and loving others as yourself. Being obedient in everything. Let Him be the passion that you live for. That is the type of commitment He is asking for. Let Him bless you abundantly.