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What can you do when work and family responsibilities seem to swallow every spare moment? God recognizes that you must take care of your children, spouse, and maybe even aging parents as well as earn a living. But He warns that you must put Him first in everything you do.

When the people of Israel were preparing to enter the Promised Land, God gave them one command that was more important than all the others. "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" (6:5). Today this may seem vague, but God followed it with several specific instructions that can also help you keep Him first.

First, memorize God's words. Make memorization of Scripture a priority. That way, God's instructions can always be in your mind, no matter what you are doing during the day.

Second, be diligent to tell your children about God's ways (6:7). Make God's Word a regular topic of conversation at home. That way, God can be at the center of your family life.

Third, keep God's Word always in front of you—while at work and at home. Keep Scripture taped on your walls, to your car's dashboard, or beside your computer monitor. Listen to Scripture tapes as you drive. Read your Bible regularly. This way, God will be speaking to you daily, even as you fulfill your responsibilities. (See also Exodus 23:10-13; 2 Samuel 1; Matthew 14:22-23.)

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

In what ways do you put God first?

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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