You Must Set Priorities!

   Disclaimer: This is NOT a complaint, but a statement of fact – a statement of fact that prompts this article. Within the next thirty-six hours, I must complete this article for THOUGHTS WORTH THINKING, prepare and preach the first of five sermons in a gospel meeting that begins tonight, prepare a present a funeral service for a dear friend in Illinois tomorrow morning, and return that afternoon to prepare for preaching the second of those five sermons in a gospel meeting. All this demands I not waste time and set priorities facilitating the accomplishment of these tasks!

   We call it “staying busy,” but honesty demands the admission of several distractions that frequently interfere with our concentration. For example, computer updates always seem to happen at inconvenient times like when you’re in the middle of composing a thought that you hope to type. By the time you complete your thought, the computer has “locked up” until the update is complete. (Yes, I learned how to stop that, but only recently!) Another interruption is the ringing of the phone with a family member pleasing for some assistance you simply can’t refuse – especially when it comes from a grandchild! Of course, the other interruptions come that we call “part of the job,” and no one refuses to oblige those times of useful service. Granted, it depletes the already limited time frame for completing the necessities, but it dares not change the priorities!

   Priorities are required of the Christian in all he says and does. Notice Colossians 1:18: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” The word “preeminence” means, “to be first (in rank or influence).” (Strongs #G4409) Jesus, Himself said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Quite obviously, we note Jesus must be our first and foremost, yea, supreme priority! If Christians would realize this fact, then their faithfulness in all things would increase! It still puzzles me how so many nowadays seemingly ignore Hebrews 10:25 in favor of negating our assembling for worship. How can less be more and we still obey Hebrews 10:25 and comply with Colossians 1:18? What is the priority?

   Note within the definition of “preeminence” that being first is also in influence! The influence of Jesus Christ upon those we encounter must be righteous, or else we live a hypocritical life! Galatians 3:27 informs us that we are baptized into Christ and therefore have put on Christ. Colossians 3:1-4 informs us that we are dead, and our lives are hid with Christ in God. To further explain that statement, Paul wrote the Roman brethren and said, “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Is it not fair to say as Paul said, “The life that we now live in the flesh we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us?” Are we not the “influence” of Christ upon those we encounter? How can we then properly influence others of Christ is not our primary priority? 

   While many will read this and agree, the adage comes to mind as I write: “The proof is in the pudding.” I never made pudding, but I know the consequences of failing to set priorities! I know the consequences of folks expecting me to fulfill requests that become obligations, only to be disappointed when I must shamefully admit to them, “I just didn’t get it done.” When they ask, “Why not?” my shame must again admit, “I didn’t set it as a high enough priority!” While they may graciously say, “It’s O.K., I can wait,” or “Well, you’ve had so many other things to do,” or worse, “If I need to, I can find someone else to help me,” I must admit I feel mighty low when the knowledge of disappointing those who have placed their confidence in me to receive the help they request. If I feel that pain in disappointment my brethren, how much more will I feel the pain of disappointing my Lord? (Hebrews 10: 25 – 31)

   Christ Jesus should never expect less than our best in all we say and do (Colossians 3:17). Accomplishing our best demands the setting of priorities that will allow us to accomplish our best for the kingdom of Christ which is the church of Christ! When the scriptures teach us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, body, and strength (Mark 12:30), there isn’t anything left to rob Him of that priority! When our lives are set to put Him first in all we say and do, then we are proving the influence He has upon us, and the same influence He should have on all those we encounter. He has promised the provisions of our lives both spiritual and temporal (Hebrews 13:5 – 6; Matthew 6:33; et al) so there should never be a problem keeping Him as our priority. Will there be those “interruptions” from time to time? Yes, but to them, we can easily say, “I’ll help you, but y0ou’ll have to wait until I finish this work for Christ.” That should get their undivided attention!