Priorities

[Chad]

Priorities

- July 16, 2005

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

How easy it is to get caught up in the stresses of daily living. After all, there are rooms to be cleaned, meals to be cooked, jobs to be attended to, money to earn, children to drive to school, relationships to deal with, and this list could go on and on. During this time when we may be planning, even worrying about such things, many of us completely forget that God has a place in our lives. Those who do remember God may only place Him on the back burner; not giving Him the best of our being, but only giving Him the few left-over measly morsels of our hectic schedules.

Since we live on this earth, and are of course, earthly beings, it is a fact that we do need to take care of our earthly needs. However, as the above Bible verse reveals, our primary "affection" (heart and love) should be for God above.

"That's ridiculous!" you may say, "Am I supposed to ignore my other areas of life on earth just so I can honor God?"

No. God loves you and your family, and desires your utmost health and happiness. It is not a matter of choosing one over the other, but of placing one's priorities in order. When we place God at the head of our lives, everything else seems to naturally fall in to place. This is why God wants our focus to first be upward.

In my own life, I try to look heaven-ward as much as possible because I know that God wants this type of intimacy with me. Just as an earthly father wants a close relationship with his child, so too does God want us to know that we can come to Him for things both large and small.

When something or someone is number one in our lives don't we allow this to be our driving force? If God is given the place in our life He deserves, it is also only natural that we will seek to nurture that love by feeding it well, and doing what we can to make it flourish!

God's is ready, willing and able to pour out His love upon you in a very big way! Won't you invite Him into your heart and home, and make Him number one in your life?

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide," "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations," which are a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations.

 

[wildwood]

How easy it is to get caught up in the stresses of daily living. After all, there are rooms to be cleaned, meals to be cooked, jobs to be attended to, money to earn, children to drive to school, relationships to deal with, and this list could go on and on. During this time when we may be planning, even worrying about such things, many of us completely forget that God has a place in our lives. Those who do remember God may only place Him on the back burner; not giving Him the best of our being, but only giving Him the few left-over measly morsels of our hectic schedules.

Thanks Chad, this is just what I needed to hear. I said a prayer asking God to tell me what to do with my life only a few moments before I read it (I have been led by my bible study to seek different work. I'm the 'token' Christian (not including Catholics) in my work place. Everyone is Buddhist, Hindu, atheist etc. but no Christians. I am constantly put to the test regarding my faith. I was once been asked in a meeting if I am a Christian. I replied "Yes, I believe Jesus is my Saviour.'' The whole room went silent and then they laughed and I went red. Why did I go red? Was it with anger or humiliation? A mixture of both I think. I feel bad that I felt this way, why did I feel like that when I wanted to make a statement for Jesus? Its hard sometimes. I feel like the world is getting worse and its more important to spend time with Jesus in private. Its also important to have fellowship with those who believe in Jesus. Thats why I appreciate this site. We all get worn down by the hectic schedule and not being able to give our best to God. But we can come together as He intended us to and there God will hear our prayers. Jesus left clear instructions before he left the disciples to be with God, to love one another as He loves us.
wildwood

PS DanielTX, I'm sorry if you were offended by me calling you young, but I looked at your profile and you are indeed young.
I was once told that by someone older than me. Being young, trying to work out God's word for myself without letting it speak for itself, so I kept getting more confused and into more arguments. Now I'm a bit older and wiser and let God do the talking through the Word. Jesus Lives.