The Importance of a Good Start

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. _{Hebrews 13:16}

My overall aim for my journey here on earth is to follow Christ’s example and to live a life that is pleasing to God. I want to be able to say with Jesus, “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (Jn 8:29).

The bible sets out the commands and instructions of how to live a holy and pleasing life. The bar is high and I struggle at times (i.e., all the time), to be anywhere near good enough, but I won’t stop trying.

Some commands are easy to follow: Don’t forget to do good and share with others. I can do that. It’s simple and it’s straightforward, yet sometimes, we forget to do it. How is that possible? How do we forget to do good?

This often happens when we start the day without God. We are up and away on our own steam, with so much to do and not enough time to do it. Off we go full speed into the day, living on our own abilities, also known as the flesh. The Lord is well aware of all the pitfalls which is why we are to live our lives in and through the Spirit, for to set the mind on the flesh is death… those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom 8:8).

What a difference it can make when we start the day with the One who can help us do all things by His strength. What an assurance to know that we can have confidence before God when we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. (1Jn 3:22).