Some days when I get home from a good walk, or from driving about on errands, I am eager first thing to visit the washroom! You probably know the feeling.
Yet, urgent as this may be, it is not in such a moment the first thing I will do. Before this priority can be satisfied I must shut the front door, remove backpack and boots, hang jacket and headwear, check the room is not occupied, then wash my soiled hands. Only then can I give what is most important the attention it requires.
Our priorities can often get jumbled by the necessities of life. But the disciple of Christ must keep clearly in focus the things that in God’s eyes are most primary. We must seek His Will above our own.
At first, this takes discipline, but soon it becomes habit; eventually it becomes our desire. God transforms us, “renews our minds,” then what Jesus said becomes true in our hearts: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7). Why? Because our will becomes aligned with God’s will. The things we desire will be the things of the kingdom of God.
Our Discipleship training manual challenges us to “Make a commitment to base every major decision on Matthew 6:33.” (p.46) When we do this, determining life’s priorities becomes much clearer.