In last night’s “Winding Down with the Word,” I wrote about making God the beginning of all aspects of our lives, in other words, putting God first.  One thing I can guarantee is that you will never regret doing so.

We can all look back on our lives and think of things that we regret; things we do or say, or maybe even a pattern of life that we spent far too many years following.  While Paul did not make the mistake of living in the past (Philippians 3:13-14), he did, from time to time, reflect upon some of his past mistakes with some regret (1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:13-16). Who among us cannot do the same thing?

Do you know what you never read of Paul doing?  You never read of him demonstrating regret for his commitment to the Lord.  It is clear to see that Paul put God first in his life, even though it cost him much suffering and pain from a physical standpoint (2 Corinthians 11:24-28).  He never complained about the suffering because he knew it was leading him to glory with God.

2 Timothy 2:10 (ESV)
¹⁰  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul was also very much aware of the present blessings he enjoyed in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).  These blessings are not only for Paul and the saints of his day, but are for all who put God first and live faithfully in Christ.  I have never met any Christian who regretted the enjoyment of these spiritual blessings.

If you are not putting God first, it is time to start doing so.  Your life with Christ will become far more rewarding as you reap the benefits of a closer walk with the Him.  When it comes to Christianity, the law of sowing and reaping is in effect.

Galatians 6:7 (ESV)
⁷  Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 

2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV)
⁶  The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

I am aware that this last passage is dealing specifically with giving financially to the cause of Christ, but the principle applies to every area of our lives as Christians.  In fact, it is a principle of life.  The more you put into anything, the more you will get out of it.  This is true with work, school, marriage, and yes, our Christianity also.

Too many people obey the gospel without realizing the cost of discipleship.  They soon become frustrated when their lives do not seem any better than before they discovered a new relationship with Christ, but often this is the case because they want God to do all the giving, while they do all the receiving.  If that sounds like you, do something about it.  Commit yourself fully to the cause of Christ and start putting God first.  You will feel better about your relationship with God, begin reaping the full benefits of being a Christian, and enjoy a more secure hope of eternal life.  What you will never do is regret your renewed commitment to Christ and putting God first.      

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.