“Let’s Go Do What We Want To Do” Kind-of Life

“22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)

Are you putting God first in all your desires? This is the crux of the matter. It’s where you try to put God first, unsuccessfully, because deep down, you don’t want to. The secret is that God can never be first in your life while you are. If you’re running the show, ruling your life, controlling your vessel, and living for yourself, how can you hope to give God first place in anything you do? It starts with your heart for God and your willingness for Him to be Lord over you. You have to step aside. God shows us how to put Him first in all our desires.

Ask God to expose you. The Lord tests the righteous to see their heart and mind (Jeremiah 20:12). He looks at a person’s heart, not their external appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). God does the same with sinful people and will someday expose the dark motivations of their wicked hearts (1 Corinthians 4:5). But if you are saved, you are His beloved child (Romans 8:16), no longer under judgment (Romans 8); you are safe (John 10:28). God knows the heart of those who are saved and has purified them because of their faith (Acts 15:8-9). Ask Him to examine you and test your mind and heart (Psalm 26:2). This isn’t easy! But you must humble yourself before God (James 4:10).

Ask God to give you a growing desire for Him. Seek His heart (Deuteronomy 4:29-31). Seek God’s will; His Spirit is good; let Him lead you toward uprightness (Psalm 143:10). Delight in doing God’s will and keep His Law in your heart (Psalm 40:8). Long for God’s nourishing Words early, to see His power and glory (Psalm 63:1-8). Consider His lovingkindness better than life itself; praise Him while you live, lifting your hands with joy and satisfaction in Him (Psalm 63:1-8).

Ask God to intercede in your life and do His work in you. He individually fashions our hearts (Psalm 33:15). Pray that He creates a clean heart and right spirit within you (Psalm 51:10). Avoid pride (Proverbs 16:18), selfishness (Philippians 2:4), and hypocrisy like the Pharisees (Mark 7:6). Do everything with the right heart, not for personal gain (Acts 8:21). Love truthfully in all you say and do; God knows your heart and motivations (1 John 3:18-22). The pure in heart are blessed to see God (Matthew 5:8). May God direct you to His love and help you wait patiently for Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

Ask God for His will for your life. Diligently guard your heart, for it affects everything you do (Proverbs 4:23). Seek His guidance in every decision, big or small, and trust His plans for you are good. Remember that God’s will often unfolds gradually, so be patient and attentive to His voice through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel.

Ask God for surrender and obedience. Walk worthy of God’s calling (Ephesians 4:1). This ongoing journey requires daily commitment. Release areas of control to God. As you submit, obedience becomes an expression of love rather than duty.

Pleasing God with integrity. Honesty, integrity, and pleasing God are crucial aspects of a faithful life. Speak the Gospel truthfully, not to please people but to please God, who examines your heart (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Cultivating peace through prayer and gratitude. Prayer, gratefulness, and peace are interconnected. Pray to God and be thankful in everything; He will give you an inexplicable peace to guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

Modeling Christ’s love in relationships. In marriage, the husband must protect, provide for, and lovingly guide his wife, as Christ does for him (Ephesians 5:23). Remember, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,” (Ephesians 3:17). Ultimately, strive to put God first in all your desires in life.

How It Applies To You

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Align your life with God’s purpose. Reflect on how this message applies to your life. You can place God at the center of everything—your work, relationships, and daily habits. By surrendering control and trusting God’s plan, you’ll experience transformation. Imagine the peace that comes from aligning with God’s purpose.

Taking practical steps toward spiritual growth. Start small: invite God into your decisions, seek His guidance, and view your activities as opportunities to glorify Him. As you practice, this approach becomes more natural. It may be challenging, but God is gradually reshaping your desires. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; lean on God’s grace, remembering that spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination.

Embracing the transformation. This ongoing journey leads to more profound meaning and a stronger connection with God. Are you ready to take the first step today? Commit to seeking God’s guidance and surrendering to His plan, and watch how your life transforms. God’s love and mercy will sustain you through every struggle, guiding you toward a life of purpose and peace.

Reflection Questions

• How can you align your daily actions with God’s purpose for your life?
• In what ways have you seen God’s guidance in your recent decisions?
• How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s plan for your life?

Scripture to Remember

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to put You first in every aspect of my life. Guide my steps and decisions, that I may live according to Your will. Strengthen my faith and trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.