	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

Of First Importance

by Bob Hostetler

"What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3, NIV).

There are many things in the world worth doing. Painting a sunset, planting gardens, cooking meals, paving roads, teaching classes, training horses, writing books, even (sometimes!) visiting relatives--these are all worthwhile pursuits, whether as a job or as a hobby.

Likewise, there are many things in the world worth talking about: government, religion, weather, sports, travel, diet, and relationships.

And there are many things worth passing on to others: a family heritage, an heirloom, a common language, a meaningful tradition, a healthful physical trait.

But if you had to choose just one thing to pass on to those you love--something you would consider "of first importance"--what would it be? Money? Property? Knowledge? Status?

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthian church in the first century, said, "What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3, NIV).

No matter what else we may pass on to our children and friends, only one thing is "of first importance," and that is a living, saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Anything else is runner-up.

Prayer: God, give me an opportunity this week to pass on that which is of first importance--the knowledge "that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures."

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