Take the First Step

The chasm between just wanting to do something and doing it can only be bridged by taking the first step. I found this is especially important in considering baptism.

Has it ever taken you a long time to make a decision about something you’ve been planning to do? Have you found yourself stuck after finally making a decision?

If so, you should probably ask another question: “Did I take the first step?” Consider how God puts emphasis on us taking the first step in decision making, whether we are facing petty or life-changing decisions.

Some first steps to take

Below are verses that imply some first steps to take when we turn to God for guidance:

1. Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (emphasis added throughout). Clearly, there is an assurance of a corresponding positive response to the first steps we take. If we don’t make any move, then we can’t expect any answer.
2. Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” The Bible is very specific about how and when we should make our first steps. It isn’t just about making the first step to ask, seek and knock in contacting God; but it’s also about making sure our moves are grounded in the right priorities.
3. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” We should humbly drop our preconceived notions about whatever it is that we are confronted with. The promise of guidance is always there once we make that first step to trust God.

A life-changing first step

In February of 2005, I made a major move that has changed my life for the best. This change has come in answer to the call in Acts 2:38: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The results below show what happens when we take our first steps to repent and be baptized:

1. Extended blessings.
2. Corrected ways.
3. Understanding of His Word.
4. Obedience to His commands.
5. Godly fear.
6. Clear priorities.
7. Appreciative attitude toward God.

Moving forward

Our first step of repentance, turning from our way of thinking to God’s, goes hand in hand with baptism. Repentance is like our Math 101 requirement course to prepare us for Math 102. Just as we wouldn’t be eligible to take Math 102 if we failed Math 101, we will not be ready for baptism without having gone through repentance.

God is waiting for us to take this first step, and He assures us that He will be with us all the way once we do so. God wants us to grow and change—to move forward. If we just stay glued to where we are now (baptized or not)—if we will not take the first steps—how can we allow God to fulfill His wonderful promises?

Cathy Castillano is a member of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, in Tacloban City, Philippines.

For more about repentance and baptism, see the sections of the LifeHopeandTruth.com website on “Repentance” and “Baptism.”