Priorities

Life is hard. We have work, school, other responsibilities, unwanted circumstances, unexpected tragedies, and the list goes on and on. In the middle of all this what can make a stressful and hectic life even worse? A life with mismanaged or no priorities. Webster defines a priority as a rank, privilege, or rating. So many people cannot enjoy life because of the way they prioritize. Issues that should have a low rank have a high position in their lives. People that should get little or no attention get all or too much of one’s time. Unimportant and unnecessary thoughts ravage our minds and we do not focus on real issues. Obviously if all these meaningless things have precedence in our lives, then what should get our attention is slighted. What is the problem, then? Very simple. People whose lives are in this state usually do not have a good relationship with God. While thinking about all this I have developed a simple, yet thought provoking principle, “The quality of a person’s life is directly related to the quality of their relationship with God.” Living for God should be your highest priority and when it is not, everything else falls apart.

Let’s see what God Himself has to say about this:

Psalm 37:23-24- ²³The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
 ²⁴Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. 

Colossians 3:1-2- ¹If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
 ²Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Proverbs 3:5-6- ⁵Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

God wants our lives focused on Him first. When they are, He will set every other aspect in place for us. He should first in our thoughts, desires, plans, careers, and so forth. Until He is, life will be confusing and meaningless. Your mind will continue to be overrun by worthless junk. You will not be as productive as possible. When God is your primary concern, He will help you organize and manage everything else accordingly. 

So now a greater question arises, “How does one cultivate a deep and productive relationship with God?” Well that will be the focus of the next few posts.

Meditation Scripture: Psalm 37:23-24

Prayer: Dear Lord, I need to make You first in my life.  I am tired of my mind being cluttered. I am sick of trying and not getting anywhere. I want to learn how to trust You totally. You said if I put you first, then You will take care of everything else in my life (Matt. 6:33). I believe You Jesus. Show me how to put you first in every aspect of my life. Give me the continued mindset to give You the respect You deserve. I love You God. In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Accepting Him as Savior is the first (and most important) step. After that, however, it is time for hard work!