Showing Priorities (Bulletin Article for September 30)

We have heard it said that others know what is important to us by what we spend our time doing. While that statement is true, we also often come up with excuses to lessen that statement. We say things like, “Well, I have to work (or go to school) for 8 hours a day, and I have to sleep, so there isn’t a lot of time left.”

For a moment, let’s say you work for 8 hours and sleep for 8. Let’s throw in another 2 hours for getting ready in the morning and for meals. We’ll even add another hour of time for “whatever” (possibly commuting or preparing meals).

What’s the total? 19 hours. There are still 5 hours remaining of your day! How are those 300 minutes spent?

When we “break down” our day in this manner, we can see that there is plenty of time to show others where our priorities are. Do I spend every extra moment on the golf course? If I have a moment, do I run out shopping? Do I spend that extra time laid out in front of the TV or playing video games? Am I constantly on the internet or playing computer games?

Some of that time is spent, hopefully, with family. Your neighbors and friends can easily tell where your families “falls” in your priority list by how much time you spend with your family—and just your family.

There is nothing wrong with spending some of that time doing something for yourself. You may enjoy gardening or sewing; playing sports or watching TV. People need hobbies to mentally “get away” for awhile each day. I hope you take time daily for yourself.

But, do any of those 18000 seconds go to God? While we should focus on the quality of our time with our Creator, there should also be an examination of the quantity of that time. Does He just get the two minutes I have before supper for a quick prayer? Can I only spare five minutes to read one chapter of His Word?

It’s amazing that we can plan 3 1/2 hours to watch a football game (and can plan around it!), but cannot plan even 30 minutes to spend with God. Which is more important?

You can answer that question with your words, or you can show to others that God really is more important. Make spending time with Him your number one priority. Plan you days around time with the Father.