How to Prioritize

There are so many decisions to make each day. We are all constantly trying to decide between all sorts of things that are vying for our attention and time. Many times, we are trying to decide between things that are both good.

So, how do we decide? How do we prioritize?

While this answer may not work in every single situation, let me share with you a single step that will help you put things in perspective and help you focus your decision making.

What is the step?

It’s to focus on two things that are eternal: God’s Word and people’s souls.

Now, that does not mean that you must walk around all day reading the Bible and preaching sermons to people. What it does mean, though, is that each decision should not detract from either of these things.

You may be thinking, “Wait a second. Where is God on that list?” He’s there, because the Word is from Him, and the souls of people will be judged by Him. When I put His Word and the eternal souls of people first in my priorities, I am honoring God, because I am seeking ways to please Him.

Now, practically speaking, how does this work out in our day-to-day lives? Here are just a few ways.

1. Parents, do you ever struggle with what to teach your children? Teach them God’s Word and teach them ways to relate to people on an eternal level. When the children are small, teach them things like forgiveness, kindness, and politeness. As they get older, teach them how to invite someone to worship and how to study the Bible.

2. Ever struggle with how to budget? God’s Word teaches us to give, and the teaching of God’s Word to others–through missionaries, local ministries, and Christian schools–requires funds. Everything else can just fall into line after God has come first.

3. What about whether or not to take this  job or that job? Will it keep me from growing closer to God? Can I truly be a light in “that” place, or will it be far too easy to cave in when temptations come?

4. Who should I marry? Does that person love God’s Word? Does he or she care about the souls of other people? There’s a major part of your answer.

You see, it may not solve every issue of every decision, but by focusing on two things that are eternal, our priorities start to fall in line.

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Photo credit: Victor Perez on Creative Commons

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