The book of Romans is perhaps the greatest explanation of Christian doctrine, composed and compile through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and left to challenge and charge us with the hope of the Gospel.

As Paul begins to delve into the meat of his message in the first chapter, he begins with this appropriate phrase:

Romans 1:8: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ…

Paul says “First”… before we do anything else, before we consider anything else, above all other aspects of the Gospel, of Doctrine and of Christian instruction…

Paul has it right!  He declares: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ..."

Let’s put first things first he says.

So often as we move along in our busy lives we forget what should always come first.

When we first open our eyes in the morning, even before our feet may touch the ground, may we remember to “First thank our God through Jesus Christ”, who gave us the gift of life for another day.

Before we take care of our personal needs, may we remember to “First thank our God through Jesus Christ”, who gave us the health we enjoy.

Before we sit down for the meals of the day, may we remember to First thank our God through Jesus Christ, who showered us with love by providing for all of our needs.

Before we appropriately dress ourselves for the activities of the day, may we remember to “First thank our God through Jesus Christ”, who has given us the ability and intelligence to carry out whatever responsibilities we may have been given.

Before we engage in some recreational activity, may we remember to “First thank our God through Jesus Christ”, who granted us the grace and to live in a free nation where such activities may be performed.

Before we sit down to pay the bills, may we remember to “First thank our God through Jesus Christ”, who has given us the ability to accumulate the wealth with which to pay our bills.

Before we lie down at night to rest, may we remember to “First thank our God through Jesus Christ”, who has given us a safe haven of rest, a comfortable place we call home, a soft pillow to find peaceful sleep in Him.

I wonder how much simpler life may seem, how much easier difficult decisions might be made, how much happier life’s joys may feel, how much softer life’s blows may fall if only we would remember to “First thank our God through Jesus Christ!”