Pants First, Then Shoes

Pants First, Then Shoes

There is an old saying that advises, "Pants first, then shoes" and helps to remind us that there is an appropriate order and sequence for accomplishing a task. There is a process or a 'method to the madness', as it were. Sure, this simple two-step admonition addresses something rather obvious, but many times in our lives we do well to be reminded to keep things simple, and to remember the appropriate sequence, too.  Now, there is not an actual formula for a life with the Lord, but the first step is actually critical. For many Christians, "once you accept Jesus (have faith), His Holy Spirit will lead you into a consistent fellowship with Him (prayer and reading His word) as well as fellowship with others (church, bible-study, prayer groups, etc)".Our sin-nature trips us up and we approach God as a "once I clean up and start doing the right things" then we'll become more like Jesus.  But, time and again, Jesus reminds us that it all starts with Him (faith), and He 'cleans us up' and we begin doing the right things.  These outward traits in our lives are the result of the inward impact He is having on us.

Steps of Faith

Draw Near to God

We are reminded of this in James 4:8 - "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."  Bear in mind too, this is a 'heart thing', not a 'voice thing' or 'deed thing'.  Isaiah 29:13 shares with us, "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men". As we 'try to be God-like', we fall short due to our weakness (spiritually).

Being closer to Christians, Church, Bible Reading, and the such are 'results' of 'drawing close to God'. This means that because you are close to God, these things will be active in your life.  Conversely, being active with other Christians, attending Church regularly, keeping an active and consistent Bible reading schedule are not the 'formula' for being closer to God.  Sure, they do certainly help, but this is what is referred to as "the cart before the horse".  The late Keith Green once noted, "going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger!"

The key difference is that starting your quest by being close to God means that God will sustain, support, and 'grow' your life with other Christians, Church, and your Bible reading (a Spirit Led life).

Now To the How-To

To help guide you regarding that infamous question, "How can I try to read the bible and slowly come to faith?", start by bolstering (or even starting) your faith-walk.  Work the problem backwards from what seems logical (from the world's point of view). In Hebrews 11:6, Paul reminded us, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Then, the 'working of your faith' will give you the balance in your walk and in turn your ability to put your faith into action will become more natural, more consistent and over time more prominent. James 2:19-20 reminds us; "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?", so we do need to apply ourselves.  The key is that 'pants first, then shoes' sequence and not the other way around (e.g. Grow your faith, Apply your faith).

Jesus gives us salvation by His grace (through our faith), not by what we do.  Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:, Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Churches may come and go in your life.  People may come and go in your life. Your own bible reading may come and go in your life.  Giving attention to your faith in the Lord will strengthen your walk in the Lord and in turn your bible reading, comprehension and application will grow and grow (since the Holy Spirit guides you), which in turn will result in wisdom for your friends and family around you, as well as the church and fellowships that the Lord leads you into, also.  Notice that sequence;

1. faith

2. fellowship with the Lord

3. fellowship with others, church and outreach opportunities.

This is similar to the sequence we are taught in Acts 1:8, where Paul reminds the disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  In this sequence, Jerusalem was closest to the disciples (the city), then Judea (the region), then Samaria (neighboring cities), then the uttermost part of the earth...  Pants First, Then Shoes!