There are many passages that speak of first things. The word “first” means foremost in rank,
quality, or importance.
(2 Corinthians 8:12) The Apostle Paul speaking to the church at Corinth concerning the
collection that was being taken up for the poor saints at Jerusalem said: “For if there be “first” a
willing mind it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not.” For
the offering to be accepted it was “first” or foremost in importance to come from a willing mind, or
from a consenting, voluntary, ready, and cheerful heart.
This is a principle that is established by Scripture that applies to all our service to God. The
Apostle Paul speaking of his service as a preacher in 1 Cor. 9:16, “For though I preach the Gospel,
I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the
Gospel!” Paul had been given a commandment to preach and knew if he did not keep that
commandment a woe is unto him. But at the same time he recognized that this was a service that
was “first” or foremost in importance to come from a consenting, voluntary, ready, and cheerful
mind. For he continues to say in the next verse (vs. 17) “For if I do this thing willingly, I have a
reward: But if against my will, a dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me.” Paul’s
preaching was not forced upon him although he had a commandment. Paul’s preaching was not for
an occupation, not for a salary, although he dedicated his time to preaching and had right to receive
funds for his work (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). Paul’s preaching was not for a title to wear. But his
preaching was from a consenting, voluntary, ready, and cheerful mind. This was “first” or foremost
in importance to please God and to serve Christ in helping others to know the truth.
Again we see this principle in 1 John 5:2-3, “by this we know that we love the children of God,
when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” Although we demonstrate our love by
keeping God’s commandments, the commands are not forced upon us. Our service is of a
consenting, voluntary service. This is “first” or foremost in importance. The Psalmist spoke of the
day of Christ in Psalm 110:1-3. “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I
make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule
thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the
beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.” Jesus Christ’s
rule of authority must be recognized and obeyed (Col. 3:17). But those that follow his teachings are
not forced but offer their service in a consenting, voluntary, cheerful heart. On the day of Pentecost
when Peter declared that Jesus had been made both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36) and people in
response to this powerful sermon raised the question: “men and brethren what shall we do?” (Acts
2:37). Then Peter said unto them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is
unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall
call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this
untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there
were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:38-41). A command was given. The
people were not forced to obey. They did not look upon this command as being grievous. They did
not argue but they gladly received and from a consenting, voluntary, ready, and cheerful mind
obeyed.
This principle must govern us in all our service unto God. It is sad to see so many who claim to
be Christians that have to be shamed, coaxed, and begged to attend all services of the church. They
need to examine themselves honestly and know they are not walking by this rule of offering a
consenting, voluntary, ready and cheerful service. As Christians, God calls upon us to “cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor.
7:1). This is a commandment, but God will not force you to comply. There must “first” be a willing
mind - a consenting, voluntary, ready, and cheerful mind that eliminates those things from our lives
that corrupt our bodies and destroys our spirit. God will allow us to live any lifestyle we want to
live, but warns us that eventually we must give an account and receive according to what we have
done in the body. But if we decide to serve him, it must be “first” of a consenting, willing, voluntary,
ready, and cheerful heart. This is of the foremost importance, and God has promised to these
consenting souls, “ETERNAL LIFE.”