Theoretically, many decisions are pretty straightforward. Theoretically, I value others above myself. Theoretically, I trust what I know the Bible teaches. Theoretically, I spend my money on things that have the most worth to me. Theoretically, I prioritize God over all.
Ah, but practically, day-to-day, in real life… Not so much.
It is easy to theoretically imagine life as it should be. It would be great to live in such a theoretical world, a world where everything I envision about myself is true. But when it comes down to it, all too often my daily decisions do not conform to what I theoretically believe is true.
To put it another way, my formal theology (what I believe) is not matching up with my functional theology (how I actually act).
This is particularly evident in how we prioritize things. Again, I suspect like me you’ll agree that God is our highest priority—we should rank Him and His service higher than anything else. But… do we really act that way? Of course, if we do, then prioritizing God above all else means saying “no” to certain things—it would have to. If we count our time with God as more valuable than any other, then we will need to reject some options in order to preserve time with God.
The author Stephen Covey reminds us, “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically—to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.”
What is burning inside for you? Whatever that “yes” is, we will prioritize it. Does your actual life reflect your theoretical priorities?
In preparation for worship this week, read Matthew 6:25-33.
- Focusing on verse 33, what does the “but” at the beginning of the sentence connect to? What is being contrasted?
- What does it mean to “seek” something? What kind of effort is involved? What other words could be appropriately used here?
- What is the connection between “the Kingdom of God” and “God’s righteousness” here? How do the two terms relate to one another?
- “All these things” refers to what? What would you say to someone who does not believe that God has added “all things?” Has God failed?
- What does giving something a “priority” in your life look like? List at least five things that are important in your life… how do you “prioritize” them?
By Henry Knapp