What is the order of priority for a Christian? Whom do you think of first? Whom would you say that you love the most? Without question, GOD is (or definitely should be) first! I have never encountered any Christian who would debate that point. But, who is second...and third...and fourth...and so on.

To demonstrate their unselfish humility, some say "God first, others second, and I'm third." Others say "God first, my husband/wife second, others third, and I'm fourth." Still others say "God first, my husband/wife second, my children third, others fourth, and I'm fifth." There are many more variations. Is any one of these correct? Or, are all of them, like the many variations thereof, misinterpretations of what GOD teaches His children?

Scripture teaches me that GOD is first. When questioned, Jesus summarized the commandments of GOD into two statements. (Matthew 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28, and elsewhere) First, love GOD. Second, love others as you love yourself. Everybody always seems to get it correct as to whom is first. GOD is first! But, whom is second?

You are second! Jesus was declaring a profound truth about human nature. To know how to love others, you must first know how to love yourself. If you cannot love yourself, you cannot begin to honestly love others. So, stop and take a look at yourself in the mirror. Do you love yourself? Do you really love yourself? Prove it! What have you done recently to express your love for yourself?

Maybe we should backup a little. What have you done recently to express your love for GOD? Have you prayed...talked with (not to) Him...listened to Him...done what He asked/requested of you? Take another look in the mirror. Are you caring for the vessel, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the physical and spiritual body which He has entrusted to you? Are you eating a healty diet? Are you getting enough exercise...enough sleep...enough peaceful relaxation? If you are not doing these little things to demonstrate your love for GOD and your love for yourself, how can you say that you love anyone else...your spouse...your children...your parents...your special friend...that total stranger? If you are not loving GOD and yourself, don't even think about saying that you love someone else because you don't know what love truly is.

If however, you really do love GOD first and yourself second, then whom is next? Should it be your spouse? Yes, because your spouse is actually still a part of number two. When you and your spouse are joined, you become one flesh. So, when you love yourself the way you should, you are automatically including your spouse. BUT, never take him or her for granted. Always love them and cherish them for, in so doing, you are expressing love both to GOD and to yourself. Beyond your spouse, everyone fits into third...your children...your parents...your grandparents...and on and on the list goes until everyone else is included.

Remember the correct order, GOD is first! Then, you (together with your spouse if you are married) are second! And, everyone else follows. However, since Jesus said to love others as you do yourself, don't be selfish with you love but, share your love for GOD, for yourself, and for others wherever you go, and thereby let your light shine!

May GOD bless you as you endeavor to serve Him throughout each day, in every activity you are doing!