Today at Holy Cross Anglican Church, we gathered together for a powerful time of worship and reflection on a message that speaks directly to the challenges we face in our everyday lives. The sermon, titled “Putting First Things First,” focused on the importance of making God our top priority amidst the busyness and distractions that constantly vie for our attention.
In the sermon, we began by exploring the concept of modern-day idols—not the golden statues of ancient times, but the subtle distractions that can quietly take the place of God in our hearts. Whether it’s our careers, social media, or even the pursuit of personal comfort, these things can easily become “weeds” in the garden of our lives if we’re not careful. I encouraged everyone to take a close look at their lives and identify any areas where these “weeds” might be growing, so that we can remove them and make space for God’s presence to flourish.
We also discussed the importance of making conscious choices. Each day, we stand at a crossroads where we must decide whether to follow the easy, familiar path that might lead us away from God, or the more challenging, yet rewarding path that brings us closer to Him. Joshua’s declaration—“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”—reminds us that serving God is a deliberate choice we must make daily.
Creating new habits was another key focus of the sermon. Just as we might clean out a cluttered room to make space for what really matters, we are called to create habits that bring us closer to God, such as daily prayer, reading Scripture, and setting aside quiet time for reflection. These habits help us clear out the spiritual clutter that can so easily accumulate.
Trusting God to fill the gaps in our lives was a reminder that when we put God first, He ensures that everything else falls into place. Just as a cup is better filled when God is placed in first, our lives are better ordered when He is our priority.
Finally, we touched on the importance of perseverance. Life is full of challenges, and the journey of faith is no exception. But just like a mountain climber who keeps going despite the steep ascent, we too are called to keep moving forward, trusting that the view from the top—the life God has planned for us—is worth every step.
As you go about your week, I encourage you to reflect on today’s message and consider how you can start putting first things first in your own life. What “weeds” might you need to remove? What new habits can you cultivate to draw closer to God? Remember, it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Thank you to everyone who joined us today, both in person and online. If you missed the service or want to revisit the message, a recording will be available soon. Let’s continue to encourage one another as we seek to grow in faith and keep God at the center of all we do.
Blessings to you all as you go into this week, keeping first things first.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. John Mozingo
Holy Cross Anglican Church
Fr. John Mozingo is the pastor of Holy Cross Anglican Church in Winterville, NC. They meet every Sunday morning at 10AM in the Ruritan Building at 2668 Church Street.