We were driving home one evening and I heard a song on the radio “First Thing First.” It caught my attention because it confirmed the name and subject matter of this story. I had another one in mind, but the LORD gave me this one. Why that title when it’s so obvious and it shouldn’t have to be mentioned? Because people aren’t doing it!
People want forgiveness without repentance and come to JESUS but won’t confess Him as LORD and SAVIOR. Peter told us “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19 KJV) and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18 KJV). When you come to JESUS and realize He died for your salvation, why would you not turn from sin and submit this life he purchased to Him as your LORD? If you won’t, check on your salvation.
They want the love of JESUS without obedience and receive grace and mercy without showing it to others. Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me” (John 14:21 KJV). Grace and mercy are acts of love from GOD to you and should flow through you to others. JESUS told us to “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Mat 5:44 KJV). If you can’t it might lead to hate and “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15 KJV).
I see people expecting the blessings from GOD without doing what He said. People pray for GOD to heal our land, but the Bible says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Cron 7:14 KJV). Have you noticed GOD’s people doing that? Me neither! It starts with me and you.
But I thought salvation was a gift from GOD? It sounds like you are saying we must earn it. No, you can’t earn it “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph 2:8-9 KJV). When you get saved you desire to please GOD, so humble yourself and acknowledge JESUS as both LORD and SAVIOR and seek to obey Him.
JESUS didn’t abolish commandments but said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mat 22: 37-39 KJV). Part of loving your neighbor is “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mat 16:15 KJV) and that’s how GOD will heal our land!
That’s why you must put first thing first! We try to change men’s actions, but it won’t work. Stopping hatred, child abuse, abortion, addiction, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and human trafficking are wonderful goals, but you must point men to JESUS so He can change their hearts first. Even before that, you must humble yourself and let JESUS change you!
Wayne Lance (2022) – That’s Good News to Share!