Priorities: This before That…
Some things MUST be done PRIOR to other things: Socks before shoes. Look before leap. Parachute before rip cord and, unless you are Indiana Jones, land plane, exit plane, and arrive at the rapids before inflating dinghy!
The growing Christian must also learn and practice the priorities which foster spiritual growth… which “build you up in your most holy faith” (Jude 20). [See Tuesday’s blog.]
Jesus clearly told his disciples, followers and onlookers what God knows must be Job #1 on humankind’s priority list. When one Pharisee, “an expert in the law,” asked Jesus which of all the commandments was the topmost Jesus’ answer was swift and concise:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:37) [See also Luke 10:25-27].
Earlier He had put it another way:
“…do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ …your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:31-33).
Putting the kingdom of God and His righteousness first means, submitting to His rule, that still, small, sometimes shouting, voice of the Holy Spirit within you — “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21) — and responding in ways that are right… responding as you know in your heart Jesus Himself would respond (WWJD)… “walking” in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16).
When we do this… when we put God’s known Will in a matter first, we do indeed amazingly find the lesser issues — “all these things” — work themselves out! Living this way is living “by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
Stretch your faith. Put God as your Number One Priority! Place as first His rule and righteousness and the rest will fall in place. — It’s what Christians do.
Press on…
Got a question? Use the Contact page and send It to me. We’ll search the Word for God’s answer.
thebrokenrunner 