Don’t Give Your Best to Lesser Things

What gets your best?

Your best time. Your best energy. Your best attention. Your best effort.

In this message from Matthew 6, Pastor Justin Larkin closes out the Life on Mission series with a wake-up call: good things can still become lesser things when they take the place that belongs to God.

Exercise, hobbies, work, entertainment, and personal goals aren’t necessarily wrong. But when they begin receiving our best while God, His kingdom, and His calling receive whatever is left over, our priorities have shifted.

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” The question isn’t whether we’re pursuing something—we all are. The question is what are we pursuing first?

This sermon challenges us to stop giving God our leftovers and start giving Him our best. That includes taking seriously the people God has placed in our lives—our “one”—and intentionally praying for opportunities to lead them closer to Jesus.

Pastor Justin offers a simple prayer pattern for your one:

God, work on their heart.

God, open a door.

God, use me.

When God becomes first, even the ordinary places in our lives can become mission fields. A gym can become a Jerusalem. A hobby can become an opportunity. A friendship can become the place where someone encounters Jesus.

✨ Keynotes to Reflect With

✅ Don’t give your best to lesser things.

✅ The kingdom comes first.

✅ God doesn’t deserve our leftovers—He deserves our best.

✅ Your “one” is too important to become an afterthought.

✅ Pray: God, work on their heart. Open a door. Use me.

✅ The places you already go can become your mission field.

✅ You weren’t called simply to exist—you were called to live on mission.

Scripture

Matthew 6:31–33 Romans 10 Colossians 4

Take an honest look at what receives your best right now. Then ask God to reorder your priorities so your time, energy, relationships, and opportunities point first toward Him and His kingdom.

🔔 If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that Christ is sufficient for every circumstance. For more messages and information about Northeast Christian Church, visit mynecchurch.com.

#SeekFirstTheKingdom #LifeOnMission #GiveGodYourBest #Matthew6 #PrayForOne #FaithInAction #NortheastChristianChurch