Life can be tough sometimes, and when we live by our own standards, we are ill-equipped to deal with all the hardships. I lived by my own standards for many years. Yes, as a baptized believer, my standards had been influenced by the teachings of God, but instead of submitting to God’s standards, I strayed and created my own, which DID NOT include putting God first.
Instead, I was wise in my own eyes, putting worldly desires, goals, satisfactions, family fun, sports, TV, etc., before God and His will. Eventually, I found myself in several situations where my standards were inadequate. I had no real answers; my solutions were Band-Aids, not fixes. I found the foundation of “my standards” was rooted in sand, leaving me feeling like a leaf floating in the wind. Fortunately, I knew where to turn as I was introduced to God and his standards when I was younger.
Not only could I pray for God’s help, but I could choose to “CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF MY LIFE” (repent) and follow the standards of life God set before us through Jesus and in His perfect and complete Holy Word. (The Bible) 1 Cor. 13:8-10
I found myself humbled through turmoil beyond my control. Turmoil, I wanted to control, I had to realize that God was the only answer; That ONLY GOD can help in all situations, so I asked myself, if I were gone, who would want to help more than me, and there was only one answer.
So that night, I prayed, I started my change with probably the deepest, heartfelt, and tearful prayer of my life, and as tears flowed, I turned my troubles over to the Lord. I wanted to be a true disciple of Christ. I wanted to pursue righteousness beyond” My Standards.”
I had read in the book of James that: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” And I wanted my prayers to have great power. I wanted God’s help like never before.
That night, I did not give up on any of my concerns; instead, I sought the most powerful help available to mankind by turning to our Creator.
The changes I have made in my life since that night have helped me grow healthy, strong roots in the nutritious soil of God’s Word. As my understanding of God’s intent for all of us has increased, God’s standards have become my standards, and I have found that the best life is a God First life!
Hardships are indeed like rain that falls on the just and the unjust; having God in the forefront of our lives gives us reason and strength to face it all and count it all joy!
There really is a peace beyond understanding that is attainable when we decide to deny ourselves and follow Christ.
I now use “God First” to end many of my writings and wear them on clothing as “Spirit-wear” because I realize that living a God First life is the most crucial decision one can make, and I want to encourage others to do the same.
There’s a reason why loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is The Greatest Commandment.
- James 5:16
- Isaiah 41:10
- Psalm 34:17
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Psalm 55:22
- 1 Peter 5-7
- Philippian’s 4:6-7
- Hebrews 11:6
- Romans 12:2
God First!
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