For any activity in life, it is necessary to set priorities. What should I spend my income on and why? What are the values that I must uphold in a world and society opposed to God and His will? The central text for today speaks of the experience of a man who had many riches and apparently honored God. But when challenged by Jesus to set aside His riches and follow Him, it revealed that his priorities were his possessions. Rather than embrace the call of Jesus to love God with everything he had and all that he was, this rich young ruler "became sad and left sorrowful". The Lord's demands did not coincide with what the rich young ruler thought was in his own best interest or what would bring him the greatest security, comfort, or pleasure. Jesus always prioritized and obeyed the Father’s will. His goal was to do the will of Him who sent him. (John 4:34). Jesus was obedient unto death. We also should have the same mindset as Jesus in all we do, every plan we make, and every priority we have. (Phil 2:5)

Reevaluating our priorities before God will make our heart tender to letting Him make His priorities our priorities.

Perhaps you will use this time to give thanks to the Lord for the spiritual and physical blessings you are experiencing now because He has kept you faithful during times that tested your priorities.

Perhaps your changing family situation, search for a better job, a healthier life, time given to a favorite sport, a hobby, etc. has taken the lead in your life priorities.  While such things may be permissible, they are not always helpful especially if they now dominate your life. (1 Cor 6:12) The first priority for all who follow Christ is to seek God's kingdom and righteousness (Matt.6:33). All other priorities must align with this or else be given up as unhelpful.

Reflective questions are helpful for us to reevaluate and reconsider our priorities: Does what I do serve to glorify God? Is there anything I do now that needs to be ranked differently as a priority? Are all my priorities temporary or do I also have non-compromising priorities with eternal significance?

As you pray…

• Pray that God will show you the aspects of your life that are taking away from what He desires to be first place.
• Consider how your time reflects what you give priority to.
• Assess how your faithfulness in giving is used to support your church and the kingdom of God.
• Ask God to give you joy and faithfulness in giving to His kingdom.
• Assess how your time is given to investing in and building up the body of Christ.
• Ask God for forgiveness if you have realized that you have displaced Him from His rightful place.
• Pray that God will give you wisdom to order your life priorities in the present and for the future according to His priorities.
• Ask the Lord to help you see how your participation in the fellowship of The Hills Church can strengthen your priorities and relationship with Him.