Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the Gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
1 Corinthians 15:1–5 (RSV)
'First importance,' we have been given that which is of first importance. St. Paul clarifies that this is of first importance of all the great and beautiful things the Lord has done throughout the ages.
The Gospel of our Lord, of his life, death, and resurrection, is the living word more excellent than all the works done by human will and hands. Of all the philosophies born of human wisdom, there is none of greater import than Christ.
It does creep into our thoughts that there might be things of equal value to the Gospel that we might combine as a noble quest for our age. So it has been, each generation wishes to add to the Gospel a cause, or thought, or dream which we might think of similar value. Thus crusades are launched, political movements organized, social reform is advocated as on par with the Gospel.
Tragically, any one of these will eventually lead us to focus on them as the first thing, relegating the Gospel secondary. When the Gospel is set aside, the Church ceases to be our commission and purpose as the Church lost.
The Gospel is of first importance. I may then feed the hungry, free the wrongfully imprisoned, and bring about God's justice. I may and can do these and more, but not as of first importance. As we are filled with the Gospel, we will; indeed, we cannot help but live for the healing of the world, the blessing of our neighbor, and overflowing with the love that has captured us.