In the Christian faith, the affections of the believer are to be primarily directed towards Jesus Christ, who claims the first place in the hearts and lives of His followers. This principle is deeply rooted in Scripture and is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship.

Scriptural Basis

The call for Christ to hold the preeminent place in the affections of believers is clearly articulated in the New Testament. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus Himself declares the greatest commandment: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’" This commandment underscores the totality of devotion that Christ demands, encompassing every aspect of one's being.

Furthermore, in Luke 14:26, Jesus sets forth the cost of discipleship: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple." This hyperbolic language emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing Christ above all earthly relationships and personal interests.

Christ's Preeminence

The apostle Paul reinforces the supremacy of Christ in the affections of believers in Colossians 1:18, stating, "He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." This passage highlights Christ's rightful place as the foremost in all things, including the hearts of His followers.

In Philippians 3:8, Paul expresses his personal commitment to this principle: "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Here, Paul exemplifies the attitude of valuing Christ above all worldly gains and achievements.

Practical Implications

The call for Christ to occupy the first place in the affections of believers has practical implications for daily living. It requires a reordering of priorities, where Christ is the central focus and guiding force in decision-making, relationships, and pursuits. This devotion is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate choice to align one's life with the teachings and example of Christ.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs His followers, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This directive encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ and His kingdom above material concerns and temporal desires.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to place Christ first in one's affections is clear, it is not without challenges. The believer must continually guard against the distractions and competing loyalties of the world. Yet, the promise of Christ's abiding presence and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit provide the necessary strength and encouragement to maintain this devotion.

In John 15:5, Jesus assures His followers, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This metaphor illustrates the vital connection between Christ and the believer, emphasizing the importance of remaining in Him to bear spiritual fruit and fulfill the call to love Him supremely.

In summary, the affections of the believer are to be centered on Christ, who claims the first place in their hearts and lives. This devotion is rooted in Scripture and is essential for authentic Christian discipleship, guiding believers in their daily walk with the Lord.Matthew 10:37
He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 14:26
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... character, high as were His claims, glorious as ... subject of all the emotions, affections,
and impulses ... unity distinguish the character and conduct of Christ. ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm

The Sufferings of Christ Reconciled with the Goodness of God.
... be most justly punished; for as the claims of retributive ... in relation to the sufferings
and death of Christ. ... would have been subverted: the affections of his ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter iii the sufferings of.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... Book V. Faustus claims that the Manich??ans and not the ... charity from all base and
vicious affections, by saying ... and, besides, you maintain that Christ, who says ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

The Sinfulness of Original Sin.
... condemnation, or, in the words of Christ, that "the ... the righteousness of the entire
claims of God ... the strength of sinful inclination and affections, and the ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the sinfulness of original sin.htm

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... Why is it, that when the character of Christ bows your ... it does not bend your will,
and sway your affections? ... can refuse submission to such high claims, when so ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

Divine Support and Protection
... to the conscience, leave the heart and affections unchanged. ... fruits of righteousness
which are by Jesus Christ; that they ... is wholly due to Him, and He claims it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlv divine support and.htm

Victory Over the World through Faith
... hate the light, and might stubbornly resist the claims of God ... will reign in that
soul; the supreme affections will be ... the ground that the Gospel of Christ is a ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxii victory over the world.htm

The Journey to Jerusalem - Chronological Arrangement of the Last ...
... to which the world would now submit the claims of Christianity ... and His Work, and
a heart and affections simple, undivided, and set on Christ and His ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the journey to.htm

The Life of Christ.
... meagre and vapid"they were not calculated to enlarge the mind or to move the
affections"they consisted ... The claims of Jesus as the Christ were decisively ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm

He Proceeds to Discuss the views Held by Eunomius
... He is said to work comfort, surely claims as His ... and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who comforteth ... comfort, to take remedial thought for affections of body ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 14 he proceeds to.htm

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