09/02/2026
Christian Priorities -
First let me establish the fact that Christians are human and are not perfect. Perfection is something a person strives for but falls short of.
Ephesians 4:11-13 talks about perfection coming through the five-fold ministry of the church from where saints are being perfected, in one translation in place of 'perfecting the saints' it says 'equipping of the saints' for the working of the ministry and building up the body of Christ or the bride of Christ. and in verse 13 the word 'perfect' is replaced with 'mature'. So, until we attain unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, we are not perfect, we are unequipped, and we are immature Christians struggling for that godly perfection.
Our "MAIN FOCUS OR FIRST PRIORITY" should not be on self or others or things, but on who or what we worship in our lives.
God's first commandment on His list of commandments was "Have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3.
So let us take inventory of our life to see as a Christian where we stand. Let us examine our resources; time, money, thoughts and energy. How do we distribute these things in our life.
TIME - naturally we need to take time to sleep and should get at least 8 hours for a normal night's sleep so that leaves us with 16 hours left. How do we spend those hours? Make a list and time spent on what you have done in those hours. Is time spent with God in those hours? God understands that there are things that are demanding in our life and He does not begrudge them, but He only ask that we commit them to Him and spend time with Him then we will succeed in them.
MONEY - What do you do with it? How much do you spend on necessities, self, pleasure and leisure. How much do you use to honor God and advance His kingdom? God understands we need things and we work to provide them. But do we trust God enough to supply our needs when we give to God what belongs to God?
THOUGHTS & ENERGY - Do you give God only what's left over? Again, we know God understands that we can't spend every waking hour or second listening to worship music, reading the Bible and praying 24/7.
TIME - if we love Him; "FIRST" we must make Him our first priority.
MONEY - our first thought should be; How can I use this to God's glory?
THOUGHT & ENERGY - when time allows; How can I use this moment to worship God? How can I work for the Lord today and give Him my best?
Many things and people compete for our attention in this world, and if we do not set our priorities, they will set themselves.
Loving God fist means to purposely set aside time, money, energy and our thoughts for Him alone. We need to sanctify and redeem every aspect of our lives by using them for the glory of God and please Him. Remember it is a very hard task to please man but with God at the center of our lives He is always pleased with His children.
I remember my MIL Ada, who lived on her husband's black lung, which wasn't much gave $10 without fail to mission monthly plus whatever she gave in tithes and offering. She prayed and read her Bible daily and walked to church every day the doors were open. She suffered from asthma and would end up in the hospital a couple times a year. You know how she spent her time while in there? Going from room to room witnessing and testifying for the Lord and praying for those who would let her. She always said God let her go to the hospitals only to do mission work. She was a fine and wonderful mighty woman of God.
Charlotte Cox
