BUT FIRST

He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."  Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."  Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good‑bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:59-62)

                                                       

How often I say, “Lord, I will follow you, but first . . . ”  No, I'm no backslider putting my hand to the plough and looking back.  Nor am I so careless to say such a thing with my lips.  I have some trouble with  my actions, though — and “actions speak louder than words.”I can get up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord.  I'm following You today. Strangely enough, I turn right around and go my own way. 

 How easily I say, “Lord, I'm going to pray through my prayer list, but first let me eat breakfast"; or, “Lord, I'm going to do my Bible reading, but first let me check my e‑mail"; or, “Lord,  I'm going to spend time in worship this morning, but first I'd better check the news." Unfortunately, as soon as I'm ready to sit with the Lord, I remember that it's getting late and I've got to call so-and-so or do such-and-such. How quickly the time gets away from me!

 Well, fortunately this just describes some of my days. I must always fight the fight each day to put Jesus Christ first by yielding to His Spirit in my actions and attitudes. Sanctimonious boasts of love and commitment don't much impress Him.   But -- bless His holy Name! -- He is a so patient!  I'm a work in progress and so are you.  Aren't you glad He loves us unconditionally? 

 Still, He really does want us to make His interests our priority. He wants to hear us say, “Lord, YOU are first in my life and YOU are first in my day.”  Then, He wants us to keep our promise. If He's truly Lord of our lives, we won't insult Him with a “but first.”

 The world is bleeding to death.  Our Lord needs people who truly follow Him, who march to His drumbeat, who have trained themselves never to say “but first."

Do you want Jesus Christ to be #1 in your life? Join me in praying, "Lord, I want you and your kingdom to be my first priority.  Come take your rightful place in my heart and life. I put you first. I love you, Lord! Amen!!