Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

You First

After David's adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah, he wrote these words in Psalm 51.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you." (Psalm 51:10-13, NIV)

When I read this yesterday, God used the simple word "then" to rock my world.  David was broken by his sin. He was desperate for God's mercy and grace.  He prayed for God to cleanse his heart and give him a new, steadfast spirit.

In other words, David prayed, "God, forgive me.  Give me a new heart and mind, so that I will hate sin the way you hate sin. Change me from the inside out."

Only after that prayer does David write the word "then."

"Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."

David knew that he couldn't teach or lead people until his own life was changed first. And that's where God drilled my heart.

I have no business preaching, teaching, or leading people if I'm not allowing God to change my life. If I'm not desperately seeking Him, I have no business speaking for Him.

Yesterday, God reminded me of this critical truth: you first. He told me, "You have to be changed first.  You can't teach others unless I change your life first."

If you lead or teach in the church in any capacity, you've got to understand this "you first" truth.

If God isn't doing a work in your life, don't pretend that you can lead others to Him.

If you're not desperate for Him, don't act as if you have something to offer others.

If God isn't changing your heart, mind, attitude, and life…do yourself and everyone else a favor: be quiet. Keep your mouth shut until you reconnect with the Lord and He reignites His work in you.

You first.