What Is Important
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33)
As we face this New Year, one of the most important questions we should ask ourselves is, “What is the most important thing in my life?” This will require some honest soul searching to arrive at the truth and may require we consult our friends for what they have witnessed in our life. But above all things be true to yourself in the answers that you arrive at.
Some will say, after much thought, that my career is the most important thing in my life. We justify this priority by telling ourselves that you have to make this your number one in life so that you can maintain your way of life. Or, we justify this position by saying that we want to realize our life’s ambition. On the downward side others might say that their goal is to waste their life in drinking, being merry, and drugs, or may want to waste themselves in other selfish pursuits.
Where will all this lead? What is the end result of all our labors under the sun? One day a boss walks into your office and tells us that we make too much and that they are going to retire us. Or, they sell the company and you are no longer needed. Or, just at the time that you feel on top of your career someone younger comes along and is chosen for a promotion over you. Rational people realize where drinking, partying, and drugs takes them in the end. However, most of us pay no attention to what is happening around us. That in the process of striving for our goals we destroy everything around us that is important. Our family, friends, work mates and just about everyone is cast aside that we might achieve our goals. We sacrifice so much to get so little. Many lives around us are destroyed because of the lack of our presence in their lives. Many families are destroyed because dad is never home. Many children cry out for help but parents are never there for the wisdom that children need so greatly. Friends are forgotten because we just don’t have time to build relationships.
If God is not first place in your life everything else is going to be out of place. Peace and happiness will never be ours apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Now that Christmas is over I reflect back and realize that I didn’t need anything for Christmas because everything that is important to me I already have. I am thankful for all the things that I receive but what is important was around me or in close touch with me. Let us ask ourselves, what is important to me and how does that play out in my life? A focus on Christ will lead you to a right view of priorities.
