For God's Blessing, Put Him First

In summary of 1 Thessalonians 2:12 it says, “You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”

Bottom Line:

We are greatly urged to live our lives in a way that proves we belong to God.

What this means to me:

Paul is greatly encouraging me to live my life in a way that pleases God and proves that I belong to his family, his kingdom and his glory.  The Kingdom of God is a present reality. It’s what I’m to be doing on the earth right now. The power of God is the present resource. It’s the energy I get, in order to do, what God wants me to do.  It comes from surrendering and submitting to his will.  God’s glory is the reason. It is the present reason for everything. It’s all for God’s glory.  Romans 11:36 says, “Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory” (NLT).  I was made for so much more than to just survive in this life.  To live a fulfilled life, I need to follow 1 Thessalonians 2:12, “You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (GW).  To live in God’s Kingdom means I am to make God’s agenda my agenda. I make God’s will my will. I care about the things God cares about. Whatever I want God to bless, I should put him first in that area. To put God as first in my life, I can follow the acrostic Rick Warren had provided FIRST:

• Finances - To Receive God’s to bless in this area, I must tithe. (Even when it’s tough)
• Interests - Put him first in my hobbies, career, and recreation. Give God first consideration in every decision.
• Relationships - Put him first in my family, marriage, and friendships.
• Schedule - Give him the first part of every day. “God if I don’t get anything else done today, I just want to love you a little bit more and know you a little bit better.”
• Troubles - Turn to God first when I have a problem. Prayer should never be my last resort. It should be my first choice.