QUESTION: What must be our top priority?
We live in world of mixed up and misplaced priorities. When a pregnant young lady can give birth to a baby, dispense of it in a garbage can, and then return to the dance floor so as not to miss her prom, we must admit a problem with priorities. When we are outraged over a snail being displaced from its habitat in the course of a public works project, yet are unable to weep or cry out concerning the millions of innocent children slaughtered in the name of progress and women’s rights, we have a serious problem with priorities. What should be top priority in our lives? How can we keep the main thing the main thing?
Jesus taught, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). First indicates priority. The kingdom of God (the church, Matthew 16:18-19) and the righteousness of God must occupy first place in our lives. If the Lord and his church are not foremost in our lives, then our priorities are out of order. God is not glorified in the lives of those who put Him second, or third, or anywhere other than first place. The church is done irreparable harm by those who are not willing to place it above all else in their earthly sojourn. Nothing, absolutely nothing, must come between us and our God. Jesus taught in another passage, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). As near and dear as parents and children are to each of us, not even they are to occupy top place in our lives. If God’s kingdom and His righteousness are not our top priority in our lives, then we must reprioritize before it is too late. If God is not first to us, then He might as well be last. He will not share His glory with another!
Do you have a question that you would like for us to consider together, or a comment regarding what has been written? If so, please email us at sixthavenue@bellsouth.net, or write to us at the Sixth Avenue Church of Christ, 1501 Sixth Avenue, Jasper, Alabama, 35501.
