For those familiar with how repentance works and even go so far as to keep a heart of repentance, meaning you are well aware of your need to regularly seek the Lord’s forgiveness, to you and to ME, I say, ‘repent and do the first works.’
It’s easy to believe that since we regularly repent, that we're doing all that the Word requires. But as Jesus told John about the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:2,3, “I know your works...labor...patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered...have patience...have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary”, though we work tirelessly in ministry, demonstrate patience and refuse to tolerate lawlessness and liars, there is still something we need to do. Jesus said we must ‘repent and do the first works.’ Meaning, there were some things we used to do when we first received Jesus as our Lord that we no longer do on a regular basis. Even though this church was known for its works and labor, there were still some things they weren’t doing. But what? When I asked myself that question, I had to go back to December 23, 1998 and think about what I did during those first few years that I no longer do.
Remembering The Firsts
The first thing that came to mind was the fact that I don't consecrate as much. The first five years after I got saved, I rarely watched anything other than Christian television or listened to anything other than praise or worship. That’s not the case today.
I also fasted regularly. In fact, the morning after I gave my life to Christ, I went on a partial fast. I didn’t even know what fasting was, but I did it anyway. Thereafter, I fasted one day a week, then seven, and eventually went on a 40-day juice fast, which I don’t recommend. But I was so hungry for the Lord, that I was willing to do anything. Today, I'm 80 pounds overweight.
I also was so dedicated that I’d give Him my firsts. I gave Him my first fruits, and the first ten percent of my income. When I awoke, my first words were to Him. I wouldn’t read anything unless it was His Word first. I wouldn’t look at anything unless it had to do with Him first. I wouldn’t do any activity until I first spent time with Him. He was my first. And though in many cases, that's still true, I must admit that I do fall short and put Him second, and sometimes, last.
Second Place
So how did He fall to second place? Little by little. For example, instead of only watching faith-filled content, I began to watch regular programming. Many times while surfing through channels, I’d land on something seemingly wholesome. But then the actors would do something inappropriate, like kiss someone other than their spouse or use profanity. Though it was only television, I was so dedicated that I even put Him first, in my entertainment which meant I'd have to turn the channel. Over time, instead of turning the channel, I’d look away. That eventually led to laughing and looking away but still not turning the channel. The laughter eventually led to not caring. I just laughed off their promiscuity and profanity. It made it easier to excuse the fact that I shouldn’t be watching in the first place. Again, little by little, I stopped doing the little things that kept me close to God. So much so, I stopped consecrating and eventually left my first love.
The only thing I’ve been faithful not to do is smoke weed, drink, or engage in premarital sex - and I haven’t for the last seventeen years. But those things came by grace. God empowered me to walk away from those addictions, so to me, those don’t really count. My firsts, however, do count because those were daily decisions I made to keep Him first. Sure I still tithe, read my Bible and pray everyday, but I need to get back to what and to Who I love.
God's Place
Think for a moment about yourself. In what areas did you put God first where He’s now in second or last place? Is there something you used to do that you no longer do? Whatever that thing is, start doing it again. Sure, it’s not going to happen overnight, and you might fail to do it faithfully…at first…but keep doing it because whatever it is, you will need to do in this season. Not just to please God but for your protection so be sure to add it back into your spiritual arsenal.
For me, it’s been difficult to keep up the momentum, but God didn’t tell us to keep our momentum going, He told us to walk by faith. So by faith, let’s commit to re-doing the first works. I know you were probably expecting to read something directly related to the corona virus crisis we currently face, but in a way this is. During this time, commit to going back and doing the first things you did so as to ensure your protections are in place.
Pray this with me: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for putting everything and everyone before You. Please forgive me for the time I’ve spent away from You, and please help me to put You back in first place - in my head, heart, my health and my wallet. In Jesus’ name.
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