To Get God’s Blessing, Put Him First

In review 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:

Live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory

Paul pleads, encourages, and urges me to live my life in a way that God would consider worthy, one in which I belong to him and reflect his character.  After all, He is the one who chose me to share in his own kingdom and glory.

What I’m learning is that 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 to do what God wants me to do once I have surrendered and submitted to his will.

And God’s glory is the reason. It’s not the reality or the resource. 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).

It’s not just about having so much, (a good family, job, friends, congregation).  I was made for much more than this. In order to have a fulfilled live, I need to begin to live in God’s Kingdom, by God’s power, and for God’s glory.

This takes place by what Paul refers to in 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 make God’s agenda my agenda. I make God’s will my will. I care about what God cares about. Whatever I want God to bless, put him first in that area.

Here are five areas that will help me put God first:

Finances: If I want God to bless my finances, I must put him first. Give a tithe and above.

Interests: Put him first in any of my hobbies, career, and even recreation. Give God first consideration in every decision.

Relationships: Put him first in my marriage, family, and friendships.

Schedule: Give him the first part of every day. Get up and start with “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.