priorities

This isn’t in any particular order but I was just wondering what your thoughts are on what order these Items should be in. I would appreciate your input. 

 

God

Family

Work

Ministry

 

Great question, EH? Thought provoking. The list is already in a good orderI am an idealist when it comes to priorities. God comes first, all else is for the glory of God. “Do all to the glory of God.” I wish this were the balance in my life, but I struggle to maintain the balance.

 

There is a delicate balance of what comes second after God. It is difficult to say what falls 2, 3, 4, etc. Should priorities share an equal load (Ex: GOD, family, work & ministry)? I think not. There are times when one needs more attention over the other or when one deserves our attention over the other.

 

The Scriptures mention that as a child, father and spouse your responsibility is to honor, lead and care for your family. While this is true you still need to work to put food on the table and minister within your spiritual giftedness so the church of Christ is growing.

 

Here’s my opinion. It’s for free. We live in a culture that categorizes and systematizes everything! Even our priorities seem to have to be categorized into a ranking system from first to last. Being organized and task oriented is not a bad practice (I am an organized nuthead), but Scripturally a priority list is not principalized.So what do I suggest?

 

Set a loose priority list.

1. God

2. Everything else God holds me responsible

 

When we live first for God and do everything (family, work, ministry, etc.) for His glory our priorities fall in line with Him. Living for His glory means at home I am seeking to have a family that is lead by God, at work I am a servant like Christ, and in the ministry I am driven by the Spirit to use my gifts for His glory. When we try to priorotize our lives we often miss the big picture, it is not about making my priorities fit, but its about God, my “Priority”.

Keeping Your Eye on the Goal

Launching Out Your Eternal Vision

 

In 1957, the Russians launched Sputnik, America was shocked and the space race was on. In 1961, America was jolted again when the Russians sent the first man into space. In response, President Kennedy set the goal to send a man to the moon and return him safely to earth by the end of the decade. It was a clear and concise goal. Our aim was to get there before the Russians. It was the height of Cold War (full of rumors and fears) and it was a vision the entire nation could share in.

 

The rest of the story is history. On a July night in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin (Light-Year), climbed down from the lunar module and stepped on the moon! “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

 

A nation cheered and the world watched in amazement.  America fullfilled the vision to go to the moon and returned safely before the end of the decade.

 

A vision represents a purpose for being. A vision says what you want to achieve. It is glue that holds things together.

 

Since the 1960’s the NASA program has stalled. Visions fall short because we lack commitment. However, today there is a new Vision to send people back to the Moon by 2018, then to Mars. Their eye is on the goal.

 

Just like there was a vision to go to space, so must Christians have a vision of how we are to live our lives. If your vision is in YOURSELF, you think only about the NOW, but if your vision is in GOD, you think only about ETERNITY. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul talks about a vision for life that is out of this world. 

 

The Vision: Keeping Eye on Goal

Seek what is out of this world - “straining forward to what lies ahead” 

Keep first things first - “Press on toward the goal” (x2)

Look toward the Judgment Seat - Start there and work backwards; “For the prize of he upward call of God in Christ Jesus”

 

How do I keep my eye on the goal?

1. Set time aside to talk to God.

2. Write a personal mission statement. (My personal mission has been Phil.2:5 “your attitude should be that of Jesus Christ”)

3. Make a list of what you want to accomplish before you die.

4. Assess the eternal value of my personal mission statement and list to accomplish.

5. Put the Big rocks first.

6. Launch out with your eye on the goal.