Priorities

Neglected duties at home disqualify a preacher
from ministry in the church.
— George McKinney

Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold.
— Proverbs 8:10

When my department at Focus on the Family conducted a conference for pastors and their spouses, we took a survey. One of the questions asked was, "If you could change one thing that would improve your present situation, what would it be?" Their answers:

1. More family time.
2. A more receptive laity.
3. Better management of time.
4. A regular program of physical exercise.
5. A trustworthy person in whom to confide.

These responses are a reflection of their priorities.

Priorities are frequently ordered by preference. We have our likes and dislikes and we often do what we want to, when we want to. Priorities are also arranged by urgency. The urgency of the problem or dilemma has a way of dictating what matters. Finally, priorities are set by importance — the greatest good for the greatest number.

A college professor in Oklahoma asks everyone he knows and teaches, "What is your philosophy of life?" Most are shocked at such a question, because it asks them to capsulize their priorities a bit too tightly. But it is a good question, for your priorities reflect your philosophy of life.

Would you need to reorder your priorities to live according to your philosophy of life?

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.