Young man, you're going to have to get your priorities straight."
I don't exactly remember any specific time someone said that me...I also feel like between the ages of 15 and 25 I never went more than two or three days without hearing it. It is just a reflex lecture we have on standby for young people.
As a "less young" person today I have realized a couple of things.
1. They were right.
2. But it's just not limited to young people.
Our priorities lead us.
Our priorities define who we are.
Chances are, if you have experienced a major shift or growth in your life ... it is because your priorities changed.
So when we think about life as a disciple or follower of Jesus (joyfully pursuing the patterns, priorities, and purpose of Jesus), our faith has to shift our priorities.
What does that look like?
Jesus chose the eternal over the moment.
This is highlighted in the temptation narrative. "Here Jesus, solve the problem of the moment right now...without thinking of your mission." All the way to Gethsemane and the cross, Jesus refused to change His priority.
Jesus chose the heart over the rules.
Repeatedly in the sermon on the mount, Jesus said "you have heard it said [about some rule] but I say to you..." Jesus wasn't re-writing morality, but He was saying rule keeping that stands in place of your heart is no substitute.
Jesus chose people over agendas.
People told Jesus to stay away from Samaria. He went. People told the children to leave Jesus alone. He invited the children to Him. People humiliated a woman to score a point. Jesus gave her grace. People told Jesus to send people home because caring for them was too big a hassle. Jesus served lunch to 5000 plus!
Those weren't random choices. They were shaped by His priorities.
Where have your priorities popped up this week? Did they look like Jesus'?
Your pastor
Tim
