A group of friends went deer hunting and paired off in two’s for the day. That night, one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under the weight of a 200 pound deer. The other hunters asked “Where’s Bob?” The lone man said “Oh, he had a stroke of some kind – he’s a couple miles back up the trail.” The other hunters were shocked and asked why he left Bob laying there and carried the deer out instead. “It was as tough call,” the hunter said, “but I figured no one was going to steal Bob.” Ouch – talk about skewed priorities!
A woman was sitting next to an empty seat at the Super Bowl game. A man asked the woman about it. She explained, ‘It was my husband’s …but he died.” The man said to her, “I’m surprised that another relative or friend didn’t jump at the chance to take his seat. She answered, “I don’t understand it either, but they all decided on going to the funeral instead.” Whoopsie – more cockeyed priorities!
We all have our priorities – it’s that thing that has top importance in our lives. The things that take precedence over all others. And, if you think about it, the Bible is actually a book of priorities – God’s and man’s – and the Bible encourages us to check the map of God’s word to see if we’re still on the right track.
There was a time in the nation of Israel when they had just returned to Israel – their homeland – after being in exile for 70 years. Almost 50,000 Jews had returned from Babylon and they began the long process of rebuilding. When they got to Jerusalem, they rebuilt the altar part of their temple and then just stopped. They figured they had a place to sacrifice and worship so why finish the rebuilding project?! Everyone seemed happy – they had an altar to sacrifice on and that was all they needed…or so they thought.
But…here’s the rest of the story. We read in Haggai that although they needed to rebuild the temple, they wouldn’t. The Lord Himself noticed their priorities had shifted
– “Why are you living in luxurious houses while My house lies in ruins?” Basically they quit building God’s house because their homes were more important. He wasn’t chastising them for having nice homes but He was chastising them for using ALL their resources for themselves while the church was in need. Big difference! Obviously they had been blessed because God reminds them of their luxurious homes. Again – priorities!
I have multiple sticky notes all over my office with “things to do” – my current priorities. But aside from all of these, there are some priorities that never change: Love God – Love others – Seek His kingdom first – Practice forgiveness (probably on a daily basis) – Live with integrity – Cultivate community – Steward your resources wisely – Pursue justice & mercy.
And – one more thing – there’s a huge difference between temporary and eternal priorities. There’s an old fable which tells of three apprentice devils that were coming to earth to finish up their apprenticeship. They were talking to Satan about their plans to tempt and ruin men. The first said, “I will tell them that there is no God.” Satan said, “That will not delude many, for they know deep inside that there’s a God.”
The second said, “I will tell men that there’s no hell.” Satan answered – “You will deceive no one that way -men know even now that there is a hell for sin.” The third devil spoke up and said, “I will tell men that there’s no hurry – that it’s really not a top
priority right now in their life.” “Go,” said Satan, “and you will ruin men by the thousands.”
“Now” is always the time for top priorities – especially in regard to salvation issues.
The Apostle Paul writes – “…indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” Salvation is always a priority!! But as Augustine (354-430 AD) aptly noted – “He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.” This priority is in our court.
Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org
