05 23 07 Two Priorities

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind----love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.’” (Mathew 22:37-40 NET)

Most Christians list three things when asked about priorities: God, family, and work. The first two are very good answers and Pastor Jeffrey Miller in his book, Hazards of Being a Man (Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2007, pages 55-56) states that only the first two are actually biblical priorities. Though man must work, the priorities in life are God and others: relationships. We can further divide relationships into God, spouse, children, and so on. The who is important to God, not the what (job, career, status) or the object (car, house, computer, etc.).

We can make a small list: (this is mine)
God
Spouse
Children
Extended family
Church leaders
Church members
Ministry partners / Co-workers
Neighbors

Where is the job? It’s included in the relationships. My career lies within my relationships with God and with others. I am fortunate to be able to mix business with pleasure, because God has allowed me to work for Him. Everywhere I go I am doing His business in relating to others and there relationship with Him and others (particularly their families). It’s all about relationship!

So in life, everything hinges on two priorities: relationship with God and others. Jesus said it plainly. Everything hinges upon these two areas of life. You think we should take it seriously?