Priority EDWJ

‘Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.’ (v36) Luke 21:34–38

A priority is what’s most important to us. In our busy lives, we soon discover there are any number actively competing against each other. Life quickly becomes a struggle for survival. We lose perspective and then lose peace of mind.

Jesus’ priority was to do the will of His Father in heaven (John 6:38). It follows that, as a disciple, this is also my priority. But how do I accomplish this in a world where time’s at a premium? Our problem lies in our attempt to separate God from our everyday reality. Jesus was fully integrated into the life of His time and culture. He spent 30 years, in which we imagine He lived like His peers, before being called into ministry by the Holy Spirit. Even then, He continued to engage in everyday life on the road.

God is always our priority in the busyness of life. I have responsibilities that demand my time, yet I can deal with them always focused on God. I may lose sight of Him momentarily, yet I have built touchpoints throughout my day reminding me I’m about my Father’s business.

These touchpoints are my navigation system. They ensure I return to my true course when distracted by external events or my own unruly emotions. For example, I set my alarm for noon and pause to pray the Lord’s Prayer, amongst others, as a moment to take stock and ensure I remain on course.

RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Job 11:13–19; Psa. 32:6–11; Matt. 7:21–23; John 6:32–40.

AN ACTION TO TAKE: Create some touchpoints in your day.

A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, help to remember that I am here to do the will of God, which I can discover in all of my responsibilities. Amen.’


Photo by Hugh Han & Luke Chesser on Unsplash