"But first..."

Still another said, "I will follow you Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:61-62

When we hear God call us to something, how often do we act immediately? When we hear God call us to minister to someone, how often we do begin ministry right away?

It seems many of us have our "but first..." on our hip pocket, ready to be pulled and used at a moment's notice. There always seems to be something else more important to do first before following the call of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Jesus' response to this is that we can't move forward, knowing where God is going and where to follow Him if our head is turned around, looking at our past and what we're leaving behind. Is our focus on following Jesus or is it on the world?

We all have to learn to leave our "but first...'s" out of our relationship with Christ. God isn't going to call us to do something that is hurtful to our spirit. He isn't going to make a mistake in His plans for us. Everything He calls us to is according to His good and perfect will for our lives. Let's leave behind our "but's" and keep our eyes and lives focused on pursuing God.