I remember a discussion about services with members of the clergy. Some felt that
they should modify service to meet the needs of the congregation, rescheduling
worship service to avoid conflict with sports events or other celebrations. Far too
often, we make accommodations in the church that put God, second. Please do not
misunderstand me. I do believe that we need to be flexible in our scheduling of
services, but we need to make sure to send the message that Christ is First. So
many things pull our congregation in different directions. Yet, the preacher of the
gospel must preach that Christ is First. There is always something vying for our
time, but the people of God must honor God first, not only in worship, but also in
love, service, and commitment to Him. Mark 1:20 reads in this manner:

“He called them at once, and they also followed him,
leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired
men.”

Here, James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, are in
their ship mending their nets. The Master calls them to follow
Him. All of the disciples that Jesus called left something behind. It costs something
to follow Him. The Master said, “Whosoever will, let him deny himself, take up his
cross, and follow Me.” These fishermen left their trade and families to follow the
Master. He gave them another occupation: making them fishers of men. What have
you given up to follow Christ? Is He first in your life? They gave up a lucrative
occupation. What have we given up? He put us first by dying on the cross for us.
Is Christ first in your life?