Positioning Our Priorities
"Things bought at garage sales don’t usually end up on the evening news, but a Chinese bowl bought by a New York family in 2007, became famous in April of 2013. The new owners paid just three dollars for what turned out to be a bowl from the Northern Song Dynasty that was more than one thousand years old. Until someone told them what they really had, the family had the bowl stuck on the mantle over their fireplace. When they placed the bowl with Sotheby’s Auction House for sale, it was estimated to go for approximately $200,000." (Ministry 127)
I have been one who struggled with having my priorities on the right things, and in the right order. I believe that many Christians have this delema. Having mistaken and misplaced priorities can cause stress and strife, in our Christian walk, and in the Christian family. I want us to look at three priority possessions we have, and see how valuable they are, and where they are to reside in our priority positions.
1. Our Relationship With God.
"Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38)
The most precious priority possession we can have is our relationship with God. As much as this is the greatest commandment, it is the greatest privilege, and blessing. John writes in his first letter: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."(1 John 3:1) To know that we are a child of God, known and loved by Him, should motivate us to cultivate a strong relationship with Him. We do this by abiding and obeying His Word, and communicating with Him through prayer. When we diligently do this, we will not be the same people. We will have a new heart, a new hope, and a new purpose for life.
2. Our Relationship With Our Family
"Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table." (Psalm 128:3) Ed Wood writes, “America will never be right until our homes are right. Our homes will never be right till the daddies get right” (Ed Wood, “God’s Plan For The Man,” pg. 2) Psalm 128:3 describes the wife and children of the man who seeks God's blessing. His wife will be like a “fruitful vine,” while his children are like “olive plants.” These descriptions have something in common: They both need to be cared for andcultivated (https://www.pastorlife.com › sermon)
It is very damaging when you place other priorities ahead of your family. I was one who did this, and I regret this action to this very day. Both your wife (a fruitful vine) wrapping her person and love around every member, and activity in the life of the family, and your children (olive shoots) who are growing into wonderful Christian adults, need your constant love, and involvement in their lives. Only the priority of maintaining your relationship with God should come before the priority of your family. Placing your family in a top priority position has significant blessings. In essence, you will not find a better support group, than that of your family. If you are there for them, they will be there for you. Especially in our declining years.
3. Our Relationship With Our Work
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24)
The apostle Paul encourages (not only us as husbands, fathers, spiritual leaders in the church) but for all fellow Christians. No matter if it is in the family, or on the job, or in any specific activity; " Whatever you do, work heartily" There is too much sloppiness, and apathy, in our work for the Lord. Our Lord Jesus deserves better than what He gets from us. "A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When asked for his qualifications, he told the farmer about his previous experience then said, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” This puzzled the farmer, but he took a liking to the young man and hired him. A few months later, the farmer was awakened in the night by a violent storm. He ran outside to make sure that everything was secured. He found the barn doors tightly shut and the shutters closed. The storage shed and machinery was already properly taken care of. That was when the farmer realized the significance of the statement, “I can sleep when the wind blows.”(Ministry 127) Our Lord Jesus expects us to do our best in regards to our work, and Christian service. We are not to do things half-halfheartedly but "heartily." When we do, our lives will be very fulfilled, as well the lives of those around us.
These are the priority possessions we have. Our Relationship to God, Our Family, Our Work, are to be the top priorities in our lives. When they are established, and maintained, life here, in this life, will be full of much blessings. GP