The Great Reset (New Beginnings Series)

The Great Reset: Returning to God-First Living

“In the beginning, God created.” These are the opening words of Scripture—not just a statement about time or sequence, but about priority and preeminence. There’s no introduction, no defense, no debate—just divine authority. Genesis opens not with explanation, but with declaration: God is first.

In a world where reset buttons are pressed at the beginning of every year—new goals scribbled into journals, good intentions posted on social feeds—we are called to more than a yearly refresh. In this message from the “New Beginnings” series, we’re invited into a life reboot of eternal proportions: not a temporary fix, but a full recalibration toward the original divine design. This is not a reset for a season; it’s a reset for the soul.

And where do we begin when everything needs a holy restart? At the beginning, of course. Bereshit bara Elohim—“In the beginning, God created.” Embedded in these first Hebrew words is a blueprint for living: God is first, and everything flows from Him. Our lives don’t work when this order is inverted. When God is not first, everything else falls apart. But when He is—when we give Him the pen, the story starts to sing.

1. God First, Always

This message invites us to live a Genesis 1:1 life. God doesn’t demand to be first because He’s insecure—He’s first because He is supreme. He always has been, always will be. When we live with God as our starting point, decisions shift. Priorities align. Peace returns. And when we’re unsure about the future, returning to this truth resets our compass: whatever the year may hold, God is already there.

It challenges us practically as well: Do I consult God before I make plans? Do I seek His wisdom before I chase a promotion, start that business, or discipline my child? Is my heart still enough to hear the whisper before acting in my own strength?

2. Formed to Reflect and Rule

Genesis doesn’t just speak about creation—it speaks to our calling. We are made in God’s image (tselem)—living statues placed across the earth to reflect His nature. From classrooms to boardrooms, dining tables to design studios, we carry His likeness. You weren’t just designed to survive this life, you were purposed to lead in it. You were made to rule—not to dominate, but to cultivate, to steward, to give life. That’s the biblical word radah—ruling through responsible, life-giving authority.

Leadership, then, is not for a select few. It’s the mandate of all God’s image-bearers. You are empowered by His grace to bring His kingdom into your everyday spaces. Don’t wait for a title—walk in your God-given authority now.

3. Placed with Purpose, Not Pushed by Pressure

In Genesis 2, we see God placing Adam in the garden—not as a worker desperate to produce results, but as a priest called to tend and keep. The work wasn’t a curse; it was worship (avad). And the act of keeping—shema—echoes priestly devotion and care. Our vocation is more than task lists and timecards; it is sacred service. Whether we wield a scalpel or a spatula, design spreadsheets or change diapers—our work can be worship when offered with the right heart.

Are you just punching in and out, or are you worshiping with your work? Are you building empires for yourself or altars to the Lord?

4. Living Under Open Heaven

Before sin fractured it all, Eden was a place where heaven and earth overlapped. God walked with man. There was no divide, only divine flow. And though separation came, Jesus restored the original design. Through Christ, the heavens are open again. You are not waiting for an outpouring; you are standing under one. But openness on God’s end requires surrender on ours.

“Seek first the Kingdom…” Jesus wasn’t introducing a new idea—He was restoring the Genesis order. When God is first, everything else finds its rhythm under His rule. And the result? Overflow. Not forced hustle, but divine flow.

This is the call of the Great Reset: Approach this year not with anxiety, but with alignment. Not self-directed striving, but Spirit-led surrender. Before you ask “What am I building?” ask “Who do I belong to?” Step out as the royal priest you are—placed with purpose, formed to reflect, and filled by heaven’s flow.

“When God is first, everything finds its place.” — Louis Giglio

And when everything finds its place, Heaven touches Earth again.

Discussion Questions:

What does “God first” living practically look like in your daily routine?
How does understanding Genesis 1:1 as a declaration rather than a proof shape your view of God?
In what ways can you become more aware of carrying God’s “image” in your workplace or school?
How do you define “leadership,” and how might God be redefining it for you?
What are some environments in your life where you sense you’ve been placed with divine purpose?
How can you turn your current work into worship this week?
What does it practically mean to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) in today’s world?
Are there areas where you’ve taken the “pen” back from God? What would giving it back look like?
How can putting God first reset your decision-making process in key areas like finances, relationships, or goals?
What are some signs that you are living under an “open heaven”? How could that look different going forward?

Activation

Faith

Reflection: Your spiritual reset doesn’t require external change first—it requires internal alignment. When God is first, the soul can rest and purpose can flourish. Stop striving to make things happen in your own strength. Instead, return to the One who speaks things into being.

This Week: Start each morning with a slow, unrushed prayer: “God, I put You first today. Have Your way in my life.” Choose one area—time, decisions, or emotions—and intentionally surrender it to God first thing each day.

Family

Insight: The Garden wasn’t just where God placed Adam—it was a picture of generational intention. God places us in families and communities to cultivate, nurture, and protect. Your role in your family—whatever it looks like—is both royal and priestly.

This Week: Set aside intentional moments to speak life and affirmation over your spouse, children, or close friends. Ask, “How can I serve you in love this week?” Make your home a sanctuary of worship, not rush.

Future

Reflection: You are not a random fragment in the story of time. You are placed with purpose—formed to reflect His glory and carry His authority. Step into boardrooms, dreams, and opportunities knowing that Heaven has already commissioned your calling.

This Week: Write down a short “Kingdom Manifesto”—a list of 3-5 declarations about your calling, such as: “I am a royal priest,” “I carry God’s image and authority,” “My work is worship.” Speak them each morning. Live like you believe them.

THE LINC COLLECTIVE