To open 2011 at The Journey we did a series called “First Things First,” built around three basics of spiritual discipline:
- Gathering weekly with others for worship
- Connecting daily to God through prayer and the scriptures
- Serving regularly for the advance of the kingdom by giving
It’s been my experience that when these simple practices are consistent (without becoming robotic) we tend to grow spiritually; and that when they are absent or sporadic we tend to languish. Of course, these aren’t the only hinges upon which our progress swings – but they are central, scriptural, and powerful.
They’re also linked tightly to each other. To do one or two without the other(s) is to realize not 1/3 or 2/3 of their collective power, but far less. Conversely, to embrace all three is to experience not three times any particular practice’s effect, but far more.
Simply put, if you and I give God the first part of our week, the first part of our day, and the first part of our finances – and we do all this from the heart, not out of guilt or manipulation or to look good to others – it is likely we will grow spiritually.
Something else is likely as well: that God will abundantly bless the remainder of our week, the rest of our day, and the balance of our money. If we give him the first part, something remarkable will happen to the rest. He will press into it his best for our lives.
This coming weekend, gather with others for worship. Don’t just be a spectator – lift your heart and give God praise; receive his word into the deepest recesses of your being, committing to its application; and express biblical hospitality to the people around you, especially the stranger. Give Jesus the first part of your week. (If you’re a Journeyer, this Sunday you can do this at the finale of “Green Eyed Monster”.)
Tomorrow, start your day by connecting to God in prayer. Read the scriptures. Consider what they reveal about the majesty, power, and love of God. Then review your calendar and task list through the lens of the experience you just had with Christ. Decide what you’ll do (and what you won’t) to fully glorify God and bring fame to Jesus in your context over the next 24 hours. Give him the first part of your day.
Today, serve his cause and house instead of just your own by giving. If, like Jacob, your heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s goodness and trust that he’ll provide for you, offer a tenth of everything he’s given back to him. If you’re convinced tithing is not for today, gladly give far more than a tenth… as there can be no argument that generosity saturates both testaments. Give God the first part of your income.
First things first: because the first part is the part that matters most, and the part that matters most belongs to the One who matters most.
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