The family group Consumed By Fire comprises three brothers: Caleb, Josh, and Jordan Ward. Raised as pastor’s kids, they traveled a lot growing up and were exposed to various cultures and music. Now, they have reached a milestone: the release of their newest EP, Goodbye Ole Me. The band's lyrics revolve around surrendering to God, reflecting their experiences of casting aside fears and plans and aligning with His path.
The infectious and approachable sound in the brothers’ captivating single "First Things First" mixes rock, pop, a touch of Americana, and a smidge of country. If you enjoy the southern rock sound of NEEDTOBREATHE and Rhett Walker Band, you’ll enjoy Consumed By Fire. They’re a band to watch in 2023. I spoke with Caleb, Josh, and Jordan about “First Things First.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
Caleb: We’re finding renewed motivation for our lifelong dedication to sharing God's grace far and wide, taking up the mantle of our father's heart for ministry—a significant factor in our renewed focus came from losing our father last year after he suffered a stroke. He encouraged us in our songwriting, musicianship, and a deep love for the Gospel.
Jordan: This new music is our chance to carry on Dad's legacy. We can take what he taught us from scripture and everyday life and share it with others through our music and shows.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 6:32-34(VOICE): Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don't realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you, too. So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.
Philippians 4:11(VOICE): I am not saying this because I am in need. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances.
Romans 2:29(NLT): And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Matthew 22:37-39(NIV): Jesus replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 25:40(NIV): “The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me."
1 John 3:16 (NIV): “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
1 John 4:21(NIV): “And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV): “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Psalm 55:22 (NIV): “Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Galatians 6:2(NKJV): “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 5:13-14(ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
What is the takeaway message?
Josh: Writing the song gave us a new direction. Every record we make is a chapter of our lives. This chapter shows everything we thought we wanted and were geared up for. Now, we’re saying we’re ready to surrender these things. We’re saying, ‘Lord, we want what You want.’ It’s a prayer of surrender—especially after losing our dad.
Jordan: The song's message is to keep our first love for God and prioritize the pursuit of His kingdom without being confused for a list of dos and don'ts. We can do many things with our lives, but if it doesn’t have eternal weight to them, then what does it matter?
Lyrics
All the things that I have held dear The vanities that whispered in my ear What would I do if they all disappeared
Riches and fame and all that they could buy I’ve come to find they never satisfy What would I gain if my soul’s the price
I don’t wanna love what the world loves I don’t wanna chase what the world does I only want you I only want you
First thing’s first I seek Your will Not my own Surrender all my wants to you Keep the first thing first To live Your truth Walk Your ways Set my eyes Lord, I fix my face on you All my desires reversed To keep the first thing first
I give it all My life an offering My heart is yours so So have Your way in me Your kingdom’s all I wanna seek
I don’t wanna love what the world loves I don’t wanna chase what the world does I only want you I only want you
First thing’s first I seek Your will Not my own Surrender all my wants to you Keep the first thing first To live Your truth Walk Your ways Set my eyes Lord, I fix my face on you All my desires reversed To keep the first thing first
To keep the first thing first All my desires reversed To keep the first thing first To keep the first thing first
First thing’s first I seek Your will Not my own Surrender all my wants to You Keep the first thing first To live Your truth Walk Your ways Set my eyes Lord, I fix my face on You All my desires reversed To keep the first thing first To keep the first thing first To keep the first thing first
All my desires reversed To keep the first thing first
Closing Thoughts
You'll worship with lifted hearts and hands with this uplifting new song. The strong lyrics have a profound impact and bring immense comfort, reminding us that the Christian life is about choosing to live for Christ, not for ourselves. The desire to run the race for Christ instead of being consumed by the world is palpable in this song. It's comforting and convicting to know that God doesn't want us to be troubled by anxiety, fear, or worry. The key to freedom from these feelings is to prioritize the pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness, which this song beautifully conveys.
Matthew 6:34 reminds us, "So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today." Being married for 28 years and having three daughters, I've seen how women and men deal with the fear of failure and disappointment. Too often, we strive to be perfect. The answer to overcoming perfectionism is found in Romans 2:29: "And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people."
God explains love in 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." His passion was given to us at an outrageous cost: the life of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Love God—because He first loved you. And love others unconditionally. Have joy and worship loudly about the love of God in your life.
When I listen to and sing this song, I hear a sincere yearning for the Lord in the stirring lyrics. I hear a thankfulness for God's mercy and grace. I see a song that serves as a powerful reminder of the type of hearts we should have, both as people whom God values and as Christians who can impart this value to others.
Jesus gives us answers to all our needs and wants. We need God to fix our messy lives in some way. The beauty of grace is that it's freely given, not something we deserve or earn. Our old life is gone, and we start fresh. By believing in this song and praying, we can grow our faith.
The key to following Jesus is to walk by faith and to be guided by prayer and God’s infallible Word, the Bible. My devotional prayer this year has been to have more faith and express more love for my brothers and sisters. This song is my heart's cry and anthem to sing daily in praise to the Lord, regardless of my circumstances, doubts, or worries, and sing and live out the words, “First thing’s first/I seek Your will/Not my own/Surrender all my wants to You/Keep the first thing first/To live Your truth/Walk Your ways/Set my eyes/Lord I fix my face on You/All my desires reversed/To keep the first thing first. Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, and an avid music collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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