Putting First Things First
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37.
It’s a rat race out there. Sometimes it’s hard for us to find time to get together as a family so we can talk, exchange ideas, and deepen our relationship. There’s more and more pressure on everyone to attain professional success. That means more school and more work. Competition is one of the characteristics of our modern society. In many cases, people set high goals for themselves and sacrifice all the rest in their search for money, status, or power. These goals may be used as an excuse for neglecting family, friends, church, or even God.
If we want to be completely truthful, the problem is that our priorities are all out of order. Jesus warned us about this. In these verses, He asks us to carefully consider what it would be like if we were to gain the whole world and lose ourselves in the process. What good is it to achieve our professional goals if we have to sacrifice our marriage? What is the value of giving our children a good education if we don’t have the time to teach them about spiritual things? Of what profit is it if we achieve earthly success lose our souls eternally in hell?
Take some time today to think about God’s priorities and make them your own. How much time are you dedicating to God, your family, your career, making money, leisure, etc? Remember to give God first place in your life. Trust Him to supply your every need. Give priority to those things that lead to abundant life. Give value to relationships and to the eternal. GOD IS THE PRIORITY OF ALL PRIORITIES!
