God Is First

Main idea

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that centering God in the believer’s life is a spiritual and practical necessity, not merely a theological idea. It is required that the Lord be “first” in the heart, in thought, and in time, and in daily priorities—before everything else. This includes placing love of God and seeking His kingdom and will at the forefront, and beginning every work and every day with prayer and consecration to the Lord.

Practical application and biblical symbols

The lecture cites the first commandments, and examples such as tithes and firstfruits in the Old Testament, and the story of Hannah who gave Samuel to the Lord, and John’s saying “He must increase, but I must decrease.” The teaching of the Apostle and Christ affirms seeking God’s kingdom first and offering to God the first of what we have.

The spiritual dimension from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective

Focusing on making God first expresses self-denial, sanctification, and obedience to God’s will. This appears in the lives of monks and martyrs who placed love of God above comfort and life itself. It also includes commitment to the Sunday Liturgy, to fasting, and to spiritual practice that precedes practical or personal reform.

A call to personal change

The address urges the listener to a spiritual discipline: the first one we speak to upon waking is the Lord, the first one we ask is the Lord, and the first time of the day and works should be dedicated to the Lord. It also warns against placing self, money, or reputation first because they destabilize the relationship with God.

Brief conclusion

The practical message is clear: if we make God first in all aspects of our lives—heart, time, love, service, decisions—we receive blessing and spiritual uprightness. The response requires self-denial, obedience to God’s will, and offering the first to Him.

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