Do You Have the Right Priorities?

Do You Have the Right Priorities?

I’m sure you’ve noticed that people are busier than ever these days. There seem to be so many tasks to be done and opportunities to take advantage of that it’s hard to determine what’s best in a world of good and better. When we haven’t determined our priorities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

When we read about the life of our Lord Jesus, we see that He knew His mission and stayed true to it. He came to earth to fulfill His Father’s plan for Him, and at the end of His life, He could say with integrity that He finished what God had sent Him to do (John 17:4). While hanging on the cross, He cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

I’m sure you realize that you don’t have unlimited money to buy whatever you want, and nor do you have unlimited time to do whatever you want. God has determined that there are only 24 hours in a day. That’s 168 hours in a week. God expects you to be a good steward of your time and grow in effectiveness for His Kingdom. Perhaps we should take the words of Moses to heart: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).  Thankfully, you have this promise to cling to: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

So how can you establish Biblical priorities (assuming that you want to) that help you be effective for God’s Kingdom. Maybe these questions will help you think about your priorities: (1) What are the non-negotiables in my life? (Things that I, as a follower of Christ, am commanded to do.) (2) What are the negotiables in my life? (Things I’d like to do but are flexible or not critical.) (3) How do I know what my priorities should be and then live them out?

In regard to developing any priorities, I’ve always said, “A person does what he or she wants to do.” Having said all that, consider the following thoughts in light of YOUR priorities:

Is God Himself your #1 Priority?

Shouldn’t your relationship with the Lord be your first priority that influences all other priorities? Anything else, even if it appears to be a spiritual activity, should take second place to keeping God first in your life. 

Priority #2 – Spouse

If you’re married, your second priority is your spouse. Do you have a plan for developing love for your spouse? Are you trying to “out-serve” your spouse above other activities?

Priority #3 – Family & Home

How well are you managing your home? What areas do you need to work on? Do your parents have needs that you should be meeting?

Priority #4 – Church

Being part of and serving in a Bible preaching and teaching church is a non-negotiable aspect of every believer’s life. Are you consistently attending worship with the body of Christ? Or are you merely showing up?  Is your church training you to be a disciple of Jesus and not merely one of His followers?  Out of the 168 hours in your week, are you giving God at least one of those in worship?

Priority #5 – People without Christ in your community

Putting this last doesn’t mean it’s not important to God because it is. How are you letting your “light” shine? Is your living giving others a “good opinion” of God? The Christian life is about relationships, starting with the most important— your relationship with God—and working out from there! 

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. If you’re a regular attender or member of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading  Acts 16:9-15 to get ready to hear God’s message through him this coming Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Called to pray for you, teach you and encourage you in your faith,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.