November 9th
Priorities
Acts 6:4
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
We all prioritize our lives. Whether formally or informally, we choose our course. We decide the direction of our day. We select the significant of each activity or event. We validate what is valuable and we devalue what we discard. Priorities dictate our decisions and they manage our moments.
They apostles were overwhelmed by the rapid growth of believers. Multiple needs arose among them. Disputes began to arise. Arbitrations occupied their agenda. They couldn’t oversee everything. They had to determine their direction. They had to decide how to minister to the people without minimizing their priorities. They had to resolve how to keep seeking the Savior while serving the saints. They set their course. They directed their decision. Others were delegated to meet the need. Their path was clear. They prioritized pray and preaching. They choose seeking the Lord and speaking for Him and selected others to serve the saints. Thus they were not distracted from their devotion. They prayed and they preached. They sought Him and they shared Him. Others served tables while they sought the Lord.
Their path to priorities is a pattern for us. Their decision helps us decide what is really is important. It helps us to determine what is needed. Their decision directs ours. They model for us how to minister to others yet still be minister to. They demonstrate how someone can meet physical needs without neglecting spiritual needs. They devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. This was their primary responsibility. Yet they did not discount the needy disciples. They positioned others to assist in meeting their needs. They meet the physical without disregarding the spiritual.
A great lesson can be leaned. Although needs abound in society and among the saints, the primary must remain the priority. We cannot neglect the necessary for the need. Like the apostles, we must prioritize being with God and hearing from God. Time with Jesus will direct our time with others. Prayer will prioritize our path. His word will illuminate our way. Needs will always arise. They will challenge us to concede. They will press upon us to reassign our priorities. Like the apostles, we must devote ourselves to the Savior as the priority. Everything else will fall in place. Jesus puts it this way, “seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. (Matt 6:33).
We can be so engulfed in ministering to the world that we fail to be engaged in the ministry of the word. Seeking Jesus proceeds serving Jesus. Setting at His table comes before serving at other’s table. Being poured into by Him predicates being poured out for Him.
Today commit to follow the example of the apostles. Don’t let priorities push Him away. Let investments in supplication and scriptures precede any involvement in sacrifice and service. Pray that your focus on Him will be your focal point. Ask Him to help you seek Him before you serve Him. Don’t let your priorities be pushed aside. Let the main thing continue to be the main thing and your priorities will fall in place.
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