I recently got involved in a conversation about Priorities. This person said they did not have any priorities. I said that I’m sure that he does. And I’m sure you do as well. My question to you is, do you do everything you’re told? Are you simply following others’ priorities? I hope not.
This brought back memories of my ‘Walk to Emmaus’. One of the 15 talks was about Priorities. It has been my experience in life that most people do something and try to pray their way out of it. I prefer to pray first and then follow God’s will.
It is important to set priorities in your life and to reflect on what your current priorities are. The basic difference between humans and the rest of the created order is our freedom to make decisions; our ability to respond creatively to our life situations; and to establish priorities for our lives. This is about having priorities that will give direction and meaning to your life.
You may have reflected on many things in your own life – relationships, a need or concern, your purpose in life, or even your purpose in being here at this moment. This is to invite you to identify your current priorities and to remind you that you have the power to consciously choose the priorities that will govern and direct your life. So… what is or are your priorities?
The ability to set our own priorities wields great power in our lives. You owe it to yourself to use this power consciously and wisely if you are to achieve the potential God has created for you.
To choose priorities, you need to use the resources of your imagination, your intelligence, your will, and your actions. When you can see the possibilities (imagination), evaluate the options (intelligence), resolve to move towards that which you desire (will), and then set out to accomplish your goal or priority (action), you are exercising the freedom and power of choosing your own priorities.
What are the qualities of an authentic priority? It is consciously chosen by you as a reflection of what you want for your life. Do you choose your own priorities, or do you allow the expectations of others to influence the quality of your life? Priorities are not a guarantee; they are a direction. There will be times in your life where something must be done immediately, such as a pipe bursting. That jumps up to do something now. But your priorities remain in place.
Priorities give your life purpose, direction, and meaning. A life without priorities is aimless and often leaves one feeling useless. Priorities can give you enthusiasm, energy, and motivation. It frees you from the forces of circumstance and expectations. It is realistic and attainable.
What is your priority? There are as many kinds of priorities as there are people. Priorities change as people grow and life changes. It can be personal, or it can be for family or community. The question is – have you set your own priorities, or have you let the world or someone else set them for you?
Ask yourself these three questions:
What do you think about?
Where do you spend your money?
Where do you spend your time?
The answer is your priority.
