Words about the WORD - Neil Bennett - First Baptist Church
God is the Center of Everything
Most of us have heard the words, “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” This famous line comes from the poem, “Invictus” by the English poet, William Ernest Henley. Those words were spoken by Morgan Freeman as he played the part of Nelson Mandela in the movie of the same name. The idea that each one of us should be the master of our fate and the captain of our souls resonates with many people in our modern world. People like to think, “I am in charge of my own destiny. The meaning of life is whatever I make of it. My future is in my own hands!”
This is actually an exhausting way to live! When we put ourselves in the driver’s seat of our lives and prioritize our own interests above all others, we create a culture lacking in empathy and consideration for others. We suffer under the constant pressure of trying to figure out who we are and what will make us happy. And yet, this “Me First” mentality is at the center of our modern secular culture. When trying to make sense of life, the secular world starts with us. The Bible starts with God. It is no accident that the very first words of the Bible are, “In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1). The Bible begins with God because God is both the beginning and the end of all things. The world doesn’t revolve around us, and neither does God. It is we who revolve around Him! When we come to realize that God is truly the center and the point of all things, then everything else will fall into place.
The Christian author, Trevin Wax in his book, The Gospel Way Catechism explains: “The good news of God being the point of everything is that we now have Someone outside of ourselves who tells us who we are, who declares our worth, and who helps us see the point of our existence.” The world apart from God tries to tell us: “You come first!” The Bible, however, tells us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness… (Matthew 6:33). And God promises, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).
You cannot reduce God to one of the many priorities on your list of things to do. God is the priority. God is not just one of the many chapters in the story of your life. God is the Author of your life’s story! The Apostle Paul declares, In him we live and move and have our being…” (Acts 17:28). God is the Master of your fate. He must be The Captain of our souls. If you want your life to make sense, then trust the one who made you and sent his Son, Jesus, to redeem you. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). God is the center and point of everything, and you can trust Him!
