June 9, 2018

What Are Your Priorities?

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:21

What is an idol? The dictionary says it’s who or what you love, reverence or admire above all else. We know that God doesn’t tolerate idolatry. He said to put no one above Him. But we do it all the time.

In this teaching, Jesus admonishes us not to store up treasures on earth. He told us to focus on heaven. That’s where the real treasure is. But, well, there’s just so many awesome things on this earth and we don’t want to miss out.

Sometimes our idol is an object. It can be a house, a car, a phone. It can be a job, a volunteer organization, a ministry. And it can be a child, a spouse, a friend. It is anything or anyone we put before God.

People are quick to tell me I don’t understand because I don’t have children. They’re right to some degree, just as they don’t understand what it’s like to not have something you once desperately wanted.

But I do understand this: God loves your children more than you could ever love them. God is love. And no matter how hard you try to protect and guide them, you are human and you will sometimes fail. Can you put God first and place what you love the most in God’s hand? Can you trust His love for them?

Sometimes we cherish treasures that will never fill us up. Have you ever had lunch with a friend or family member that repeatedly responded to texts or checks Facebook while you are trying to have a conversation. You don’t feel valued, do you? You may even do the same thing to others. It sure cuts down on the personal connection, doesn’t it? It really lets us know how valuable they find us or how valuable we find them.

Do you know someone who has sacrificed everything, including their family, for a job or a house or a volunteer organization? What matters most is what shows up in how you spend your time. In other words, don’t tell me you care. Show me with your time and attention. What is your priority?

It’s the same with how we see God. Do we view church as a chore or do we see it as a glorious opportunity to worship God Almighty with other believers? Do we spend undivided attention getting to know Him or do we put that off for another day? Do we place our relationship with God above all other relationships or do we try to fit Him in when it’s convenient?

Stop for a moment and consider your thoughts, your words, your actions. If someone looked your way, would they see Jesus in you? Would they know without your loudly proclaiming it that you value Him above all else? Priorities show in how we live our lives. Make sure that yours show others the light of Christ.