Everything that the Bible says is important (Psalm 119:160), but it sometimes uses the phrase “above all.” What should we know and what should we do “above all?”
We start with the greatness of God. In Psalm 57:5, 11, God’s glory is exalted above all. We must always put God first in our worship and through our obedience. He is above all the earth (Psalm 97:9) and all the peoples (Psalm 99:2). He is above all nations (Psalm 113:4) and all false gods (1 Chronicles 16:25). No earthly desire, no political system, and no human doctrine should ever come between us and serving God, because He is far above all such things. The surpassing greatness of God, above all and through all (Ephesians 4:6), is something we should teach others. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is far above every created being (Ephesians 1:21). No one could ever be better or more powerful than Him. We also see that God’s ability is far beyond anything we could ask or even think (Ephesians 3:20).
Even when we know that God is great above all, we could have problems acting in a way that honors Him. It is easy for us to deceive ourselves and think that we are doing right when we are not. Jeremiah 17:9 says that our hearts are “deceitful above all things.” Sometimes even experienced Christians make foolish decisions driven by sinful desires. How do we fight the deception that Satan tries to put into our hearts? We take the actions that God commands us “above all” to fight the temptation!
After mentioning mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience – all important traits – Colossians 3:12-14 tells us, “above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Love is described as greater than faith and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13) and forms the basis of the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40). A lack of love can lead to unkindness, pride, and impatience. Christians are also told to “above all things have fervent love for one another” (1 Peter 4:8) because that will cover many sins. Love prevents many sins and makes forgiveness of the sins that do occur much easier.
Ephesians 6:16, in discussing the armor of God, tells Christians to take the shield of faith “above all.” Faith helps us fight temptation. No part of the “whole armor” in 6:11, 13 is unimportant, but faith is foremost. Love for God should flow naturally into faith in what He has revealed and a desire to avoid what He says is sinful.
Putting love and faith “above all” would not surprise many people, but what comes next might. The “above all” in James 5:12 is attached to “do not swear.” We must keep our speech pure. Even some Christians are careless about what they say and how they say it. This verse specifically speaks of taking oaths (see also Matthew 5:33-37), but we also must avoid using bad language. A love for God should prevent us from misusing His name or anything associated with Him; a faith in God should cause us to follow Jesus in what we say as well as what we do.
The Israelites were told that they would be a special treasure to God “above all people” if they would obey Him (Exodus 19:5). If we follow these “above all” commands of love, faith, and pure speech while not neglecting any other commands, we will be Jesus’ “own special people” (Titus 2:13-14).