In the whirlwind of modern life, where distractions abound and demands seem endless, the question of priorities becomes not just practical but deeply spiritual. What we prioritize shapes who we are, what we value, and how we live. For Christians, setting priorities is not merely about time management or achieving goals; it’s about aligning our lives with God’s will and reflecting His love in all that we do.
Understanding Priorities Through a Biblical Lens
A priority is something we hold as most important, and the Bible provides clear guidance on what should take precedence in our lives. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” promising that everything else will fall into place when we do so. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian priorities: putting God at the centre of our lives.
But how do we live this out practically? It begins with recognizing that our priorities are not static; they evolve as God leads us through different seasons of life. Whether you are a student, a parent, a professional, or someone navigating a challenging phase, the key is to remain anchored in God’s Word and His purpose for you.
God as Our Foremost Priority
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that our relationship with God must come first. Exodus 20:3 commands us to have no other gods before Him, and Luke 10:41-42 recounts Jesus gently reminding Martha that Mary’s choice—to sit at His feet—was the better one. These passages challenge us to examine whether we are truly putting God first or allowing other concerns to take precedence.
Practical Ways to Prioritize God:
- Morning Devotions: Begin your day with prayer and Scripture reading. Even five minutes of quiet time can set the tone for your day.
- Gratitude Practices: Reflect on God’s blessings each morning or evening, cultivating a heart of thankfulness.
- Sabbath Rest: Dedicate time each week to worship and rest in Him, as modelled in Genesis 2:2-3.
- Decision-Making: Before making decisions—big or small—seek His guidance through prayer (Proverbs 3:5-6).
When God is our priority, He becomes the lens through which we view every aspect of life. This alignment brings peace, clarity, and purpose.
Balancing Other Key Priorities
While God must always be first, He also calls us to steward other areas of life wisely. These include family, church, work, and self-care. Let’s explore how these priorities fit into a Christ-centered life.
1. Family
Family is a sacred gift from God. Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church, while Proverbs 22:6 encourages parents to train their children in godliness. Prioritizing family means nurturing relationships with love, patience, and intentionality.
Practical Steps:
- Schedule regular family devotions or prayer times.
- Make time for meaningful conversations and shared activities.
- Model Christ-like behavior in your interactions.
2. Church Community
As members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith and equips us for service. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us not to neglect meeting together but to encourage one another.
Practical Steps:
- Join a small group or Bible study.
- Volunteer in church ministries or outreach programs.
- Pray for your church leaders and fellow members.
3. Work
Work is more than a means of earning a living; it is an opportunity to glorify God (Colossians 3:23). Whether you’re in an office, at home raising children, or serving in ministry, approach your work with excellence and integrity.
Practical Steps:
- Dedicate your workday to God in prayer.
- Treat colleagues with kindness and fairness.
- Maintain ethical standards even when it’s challenging.
4. Self-Care
Taking care of your physical and mental health is an act of stewardship (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). By maintaining balance and well-being, you equip yourself to serve others effectively.
Practical Steps:
- Incorporate rest into your routine.
- Exercise regularly and eat healthily.
- Spend time in nature or engage in hobbies that refresh your spirit.
Reevaluating Priorities When Life Shifts
Life often brings unexpected changes—illness, job transitions, or new responsibilities—that require us to reassess our priorities. During such times, it’s crucial to seek God’s guidance and trust His plan.
One inspiring example comes from a personal story shared by someone who faced years of illness that forced them to simplify their life drastically. They used this period not as a time of despair but as an opportunity to reconnect with their spiritual purpose. By rearranging their priorities—placing love for God, service to others, and personal reflection at the forefront—they found renewed joy and clarity.
This story reminds us that even in challenging seasons, God works for our good (Romans 8:28). When we surrender our plans to Him, He realigns our priorities for His glory.
The Blessings of Rightly Ordered Priorities
When we align our priorities with God’s will:
- We experience peace: Trusting Him removes anxiety about worldly concerns (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Our relationships flourish: Love becomes the foundation of all interactions (1 Corinthians 13).
- We find purpose: Living for His glory gives meaning to every task (Colossians 3:17).
Moreover, prioritizing God allows us to reflect His character—love, patience, kindness—in all areas of life. This not only transforms us but also impacts those around us.
Read More About This Content
Daily Devotional: What Is Your Priority? Align Your Life with God’s Kingdom
Quote of the Day: “Put the Kingdom of God first and live abundantly”
A Call to Action
As you reflect on your own priorities today, ask yourself:
- Are they aligned with eternal values or fleeting desires?
- Do they reflect trust in God’s sovereignty?
If you feel overwhelmed by competing demands or unsure where to start, take heart! Begin by seeking Him first (Matthew 6:33). Let His Word guide you as you reorder your life around what truly matters.
Remember Mary’s example from Luke 10:41-42—choose what is better by sitting at Jesus’ feet daily. In doing so, you’ll find not only balance but also the deep joy that comes from living according to His design.
