The First and Best Part
beginning: 1. The point in time or space at which something starts; origin, source 2. The first part.
Where do I start? Naturally, at the beginning.
This is often the thought process when people decide to read the Bible. They start in Genesis—meaning "beginning" in Greek—named after the first words of the Hebrew scriptures.
So let’s start there.
“In the beginning God…” [Genesis 1:1 abbreviated]
These first words tell us everything: God existed before the beginning and He exists outside of time, space, and matter. He is preexistent, with no beginning and no end. Everything finds its beginning in Him.
It all begins with God. Yet, too often, we don’t begin with there. If we want a life to the full, guided by wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, then we must put first things first.
“Fear of YHWH [is the] beginning of knowledge” [Proverbs 1:7a, Literal Standard Version]
“Let us begin. The worship of the Eternal One, the one True God, is the first step toward knowledge.” [Proverbs 1:7a, VOICE]
The Hebrew word for beginning is reshith (pronounced ray-SHEETH) means more than just the start in time—it signifies the chief, best, and choicest part. So Proverbs 1:7 can be read as “the fear [worship, adoration, reverence] of YHWH is the FIRST part of knowledge” and also as “the fear of YHWH is the BEST part of knowledge. God is both first and best.
Beginning with God in Everyday Life
In the busyness of life, this can seem easier said than done. It’s easy to start the day by checking our phones instead of opening the Bible, to prioritize planning over prayer, or to worry instead of trusting God. But He invites us to begin with Him and find our best in Him.
Consider Mary and Martha’s story. Martha was consumed with service while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. When Martha asked Jesus to correct Mary, He responded:.
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; but one thing is necessary, only one; for Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” [Luke 10:41-42, BLB]
Jesus didn’t condemn Martha—her responsibilities were valid—but He highlighted that Mary had chosen the best part. Martha was so invested in her service and ministry that it hindered her from the presence of Jesus. The best part is not what we do for God, but our relationship with God Himself.
I’ve recently experienced this through 6 AM prayers with my campus ministry. The challenge now is not to revert to squeezing God into whatever part of the day I have "available" but to continue giving Him the first and best part. God invites me to begin with Him as my source, and it would be foolish to decline such an invitation.
An Invitation to Begin
I encourage you to begin with God and witness how He transforms darkness into lights and brings order to chaos. Begin with prayer. Begin with the scriptures. Begin with seeking God.
“but seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these will be added to you.” [Matthew 6:33, LSV]
And remember—beginning with God doesn’t have to wait for tomorrow. You can start today.
