Who Gets the Final Say in Your Life?

Most Christians would say that God is important to them. The more difficult question is whether God actually has first place.

In Colossians 1, Scripture teaches that everything was created through Christ and for Christ, with the purpose that He would have first place in everything. That means putting God first is not simply giving Him a prominent place among many priorities. It means His will becomes the deciding factor in every area of life.

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him...that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”
— Colossians 1:16, 18

Dr. Rocky Ramsey explains that this priority is tested when God’s will conflicts with things that matter deeply to us.

God’s will must come before the approval of people, even people we love. Jesus taught that our allegiance to Him must surpass every other relationship. God’s will must also take priority over possessions, careers, personal comfort, and the dreams we have for our own lives.

THE ISSUE IS ULTIMATELY LORDSHIP

Whatever has the power to determine what we will or will not do functions like a kingdom over us. A person, possession, career, desire, or dream can quietly become the authority that directs our choices. The Christian, however, belongs to God. We were bought with a price, and our lives are no longer our own.

HOW CAN WE KNOW GOD’S WILL?

Scripture gives us a clear starting point. We learn God’s will through the Bible. We obey what God has already made clear. When we do not know what to do next, we continue doing what we already know God has commanded. We also cultivate a heart that is willing to obey God before we know exactly what He may ask of us.

Knowing God’s will is not primarily about receiving a hidden answer. It begins with knowing God’s Word and becoming the kind of person who is ready to obey it. Putting God first means more than saying He matters most. It means He gets the final say.