"Jesus, Others, You". The acronym spells "JOY". It is a catchy way to remember to always keep God as the top priority in our lives. This I have learned from even the earliest days of my journey as a believer. At first glance perhaps the "J, O, Y" acrostic seems like a good idea pressed, neatly folded and placed before us for our intellectual embrace. But is keeping God first in our lives really such a correct conclusion after all? Or does it possibly taint the way we think about Him (if you recall from a previous post "Mad At God", what we think about when we think about God is critical)? I believe with all my heart that those who subscribe to this notion of God getting top billing are thinking Christward and this certainly is good. But God is so much more than the One Who sits atop my priority list as though I have the capability of placing the Almighty in the "number 1" spot on my list of important stuff, and somehow still have authority over numbers 2 thru the end of the list, governing them as I see fit.
Some people seem to believe that our relationship with God is not unlike a man paying his taxes. He'll pay them alright, but after that, he hopes there is plenty left over for him to do as he pleases...the Bible is clear in the matter as it pertains to the life we live. Jesus says, "You must give it all to me." He is not looking for some or part of who you are. Not even if it is the best part. He doesn't want first place. He wants to replace. He will have everything...or nothing. Right relationship with God requires that you lay down your life, deny yourself altogether, take up your cross...and allow Him to live His life through you.
How refreshing! How liberating!! God is the air I breathe...every step...every heartbeat...the entire universe in which I live and move and have my being? That kind of thinking aligns my heart with Scripture and changes the way I approach all of my endeavors...all of my relationships...all of my thoughts. I have the Creator of the universe (which includes my tiny little aforementioned universe) dwelling inside me...abiding through me. Crucified with Him...no longer I who live but Him living in me. This I long for...that He would be a husband to my wife...a father to my children...a Shepherd to the people of Clearwater...through me. Now that is indeed good news!! He is so much more than my life's "number 1 priority". Stated simply...JESUS IS MY LIFE!!!