"Top Button" Living
Have you ever put on a shirt, blouse or sweater and accidentally buttoned the second button in the first button hole? It doesn’t take long to realize that something is wrong. Your clothes are twisted. They just don’t feel right, and they certainly don’t look right. Once you discover the problem the remedy is simple — get the top button in the right place and all the other buttons will be where they need to be. The look and fit is so must better when we start the right way — when the top button is where it should be.
The “top button principle” applies in so many areas of life. It addresses priorities. When we get first things first, everything else falls into place more naturally and comfortably. When our priorities are out of order, we feel it. Things seem out of place, life seems a bit off balance, and we live in a sort of disheveled way.
Think about the implications of the “top button principle” in your spiritual life. When God is first in your life, everything more quickly falls into its proper place. When you order your time, ministry, work, friendships and finances with the right priorities, life is much easier. It’s also more productive and fulfilling.
Jesus taught the “top button principle”:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Take a look in the spiritual mirror today. Inspect the different areas of your life. Are your top buttons where they need to be? If not, take the steps to order your life by the right priorities. You’ll be glad you did!
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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August 202608/10/2026
The "top button principle" is a simple yet powerful concept that applies to all areas of life, from fashion to spirituality, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing first things first and creating balance in one's time and resources. By applying this principle, individuals can experience a more productive, fulfilling, and harmonious life, as exemplified by Jesus' teaching to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."
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The story of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 highlights the dangers of relying solely on human reasoning and independent thinking when making decisions. By neglecting to consult God, Joshua and Israel's leaders entered into a covenant with idolatrous people, resulting in unnecessary pain, problems, and regret, offering a cautionary tale for reducing regrets by regularly seeking God's wisdom and patience.
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The pursuit of physical weight loss is often overshadowed by a more insidious form of weight that affects millions, namely the emotional burdens we carry in our souls. By exploring the biblical principles for overcoming internal weights such as worry, anger, and guilt, readers can discover a powerful program for spiritual transformation and liberation from the weight that holds them back.
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Living with a blurred focus can lead to distorted views of life, people, and God, causing mental and emotional misery. By recognizing the qualities listed in Galatians 5:22-23, such as love, joy, and self-control, individuals can adjust their internal lens and gain a right perspective on life.
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02/02/2026
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As the summer season comes to a close, a new school year begins, bringing fresh opportunities and challenges that require prioritizing one's spiritual life. By incorporating faith and family into daily routines, individuals can experience God's blessings and favor in their lives, even as they navigate the ups and downs of a new season.
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A young Moses' act of kindness towards seven shepherdesses in the desert led to a life-changing encounter with God's plan, illustrating that even small acts of service can have profound consequences. By choosing to help others, we may unlock doors to blessings and provision that would otherwise remain out of reach.
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Judging others can be a destructive habit that damages ourselves and those around us, rooted in a subtle spirit of pride. By recognizing the warning signs of a judgmental spirit and choosing to let go of our need to police and judge others, we can break free from spiritual darkness and cultivate a heart of love instead.
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Fear is a pervasive and destructive force that can cripple individuals, destroy relationships, and limit their potential, yet it is also possible to overcome its power through recognizing its presence, talking to God about it, owning God's promises, and pressing through fear. By taking these practical steps, believers can break free from the grip of fear and live a life of courage, peace, and joy.
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As a teenager, the author learned that making an impression is permanent and irreversible, a lesson that has stayed with them as they reflect on how their words and actions impact others. By embracing love, faith, and purity, individuals can intentionally leave lasting impressions that inspire and uplift those around them.
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As Christians face the inevitable troubles of life, Jesus teaches that while we will experience trouble, we need not be troubled, offering a path of trust and peace through prayer and reliance on God. By taking our troubles to God and putting our trust in Him, we can overcome worry, fear, and anxiety, finding an answer waiting for us.
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The unsung heroes behind great accomplishments, known as "quiet giants," play a crucial role in supporting and serving others with unwavering commitment. By studying the example of Tychicus, a faithful helper to Apostle Paul, we can learn valuable lessons about the significance and importance of Kingdom Helpers in our own lives.
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The impact of our words on those around us is profound, capable of causing harm and destruction that can last long after the conversation has ended. By choosing to speak graciously and attractively, we can create a wake of blessing rather than turbulence, transforming the way we interact with others and leave a lasting legacy.
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The Bible teaches that God's attention is drawn to individuals who possess a clean and pure heart, as exemplified by King David, whose heart was found to be uncontaminated and unsoiled. By examining our own hearts through prayer and introspection, we can discover the qualities that disqualify us from fulfilling God's purposes and instead pursue a path of everlasting life.
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The choice between being small-spirited or big-spirited is a daily decision that affects our interactions and relationships, with the latter characterized by generosity, forgiveness, and kindness. By adopting a big-spirited approach, as encouraged by God in Ephesians 4:29-32, individuals can experience greater peace, joy, and become a blessing to others.
11/10/2025
Are you missing out on life's lessons because you're not paying attention? Discover how to develop the traits of a good learner and cultivate the wisdom of God, which will guide you in growing in your capacity to view life from God's perspective.
11/03/2025
Jesus offers a profound compliment that transcends earthly recognition, reserving it for those who have demonstrated faithfulness, goodness, and a servant's heart in their walk with Him. By understanding what Jesus values most in His followers, we can strive to earn the ultimate affirmation of "Well done!" from our Master.
Positive changes happen in us when we know, believe, confess and obey God’s Word. When we agree with what God says about us, our minds are renewed, and our choices and habits improve. In this new book from Pastor Dale O'Shields, you will find 25 biblically-based affirmations that will help you think right about God, yourself, others and the world.
