Life's Priorities

Life's Priorities

Life has its priorities. Some things demand our first attention. Others can and should wait until the priorities are cared for. The person who does not learn this lesson early in life will suffer for his ignorance. Failure to honor priorities can be very costly.

My family has a prior claim on my life, my time and my attention. Neglect of family needs can cost a person his mate or the love of his children. God himself says that "if a man provideth not for his own... he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel" (I Tim. 5:8).

My creditors have a claim on my income. If they provide me a loan or allow me to purchase things on credit they can rightly expect to receive their payment, before I spend my money on others things (Rom. 13:8).

My employer has a prior claim on my time and attention during the hours I am being paid. I cannot decide I want to skip work to go fishing. That must be done on my own time. I cannot sleep late and drag in late at my job. Not if I want to keep it! While at work, my time belongs to the company. I cannot play computer games, or engage in endless personal phone calls and expect to be rewarded.

If I am a student, my school has a claim on my time and interests, if I want to receive their diploma. Should I fail to attend classes, to pay attention or do my assigned work, I cannot expect to graduate. Many young people have not learned this lesson.

The church has a claim on my life. If I want to be a Christian and receive the Christian's reward in eternity, then I must honor my priorities. She can expect me to be present when she assembles (Heb. 10:25). My financial support of her undertakings is a priority (II Cor. 9:7). She also has a claim on my time to help accomplish her duties. If there is work to be done or special services such as a workshop or revival, I should be there. When family or friends chose to visit me at the time the church meets, I will not allow them to take priority over the Lord's church. I will invite them to go with me. When material things catch my eye, they will not be allowed to claim the funds I should give to the Lord's church. I will not allow sports events, entertainment or TV shows to take the place of the time for worship or Bible study at the church. She has the first priority in all such matters.

May it be the goal of our lives to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33).

Sincerely,

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