The Alpha and the Omega
Alpha and the Omega What does it mean to have Jesus be the First and the Last in your life? I’m reminded of what I call my WMM Scriptures, “What Matters Most.†These are truths that are foundational, that matter most. Without them, nothing else matters! Here is an example of a foundational truth.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well†(Matthew 6:33 NIV). Jesus’ kingdom refers to His authority, His control, and His way, not my authority, my control, or my way. It’s all about Him! Seeking His righteousness refers to believing and living according to His values, as spelled out in His law and revealed in His life.
How do I apply this truth in my life in a practical way? He needs to be first in everything. Jesus comes first before family, first before friends, first before my favorite projects and hobbies, first before Facebook or Instagram, first before my electronic games and gadgets, first before my opinions or passions about politics or sports, first before my job, first before my social engagements or educational pursuits, first before what I eat or drink. He is the First and the Last.
This reminds me of another WMM Scripture, which reads, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?†(Mark 8:36 NLT). This hits at priorities. What is most important? What do I value most? How do I spend my time, or better still, what do I make time for? Do I take time to be mindful, to be quiet and meditate upon His Word, and engage with Him in silent prayer? Do I listen, more than speak? I cannot listen deeply if I read the Word hastily. He’s in no rush; I am.
Another foundational WMM Scripture is found in Micah 6:8, which reads, “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God†(NIV). This Scripture takes the two foundational love characteristics of God, namely His justice and mercy, and applies them to how we should live in our relationships with people. Peterson says it so well in his paraphrase, “Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously – take God seriously†(The Message).
Lastly, God challenges me to do something about my foundational choices. What I choose will indicate WMM to me. He challenged His people through His servant Elijah on Mt. Carmel when He said, “How long are you going to be paralyzed by indecision?†(1 Kings 18:21 NET). Indecision comes from a divided mind (See James 1:6-7), which keeps me from choosing foundational truths and applying WMM to my life. I’ve discovered that is a tool of the devil. Make a choice today. Put yourself on God’s side by choosing WMM. The result of this choice for me is best described by David in Psalms 16:11, “You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in Your presence; You always give me sheer delight†(NET)