Priorities

Yeshua tells us that he wants us to have life and have it more abundantly. He wants good things for us, but he desires us to seek those things that are worthy. Whereas it may be true that we can attract, by the law of attraction, what we think about or what we continuously focus our attention on, many focus on that which cannot fully satisfy their deepest needs.

We see many who seek wealth, fame and fortune, power and prestige. Many seek money as a means unto itself, mistakenly believing it can solve all their problems, or cure all their ills. Millions play the lottery each week, dreaming of what they would do with their winnings. Advertisers dangle visions of cars, boats, elaborate homes, the latest fashions, bigger and better TV’s, electronic devices, computers, on and on. We live in an extremely materialistic world and I fear it is going to one day rise up and destroy us, if we don’t get our priorities right.

Yeshua tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all these “things” will be added unto us. Our relationship with our heavenly father should be our first priority. He will, in turn, take care of our needs. James 1:17 declares, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”. He knows what we need and what is good for us, more than we do ourselves.

We are warned in 1 John 2:15-16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”. He is not saying that we should not desire good things. He is speaking of lust and covetousness, seeking those things that are earthly, transient. Nothing we can gain in this life is lasting. It is temporal, fleeting. Solomon tells us it is like chasing the wind. Mark 8:36 asks, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Titus 2:11-12 adds, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”.

Again, it’s a matter of priorities. What is most important to us? What is it we seek? What will lead us to our eternal rewards at the end of this earthly existence? We have many examples of those who have pursued the high life, the wealth, the power, the fame, only to be destroyed by drugs or alcohol, sexual perversion, meaningless pursuits and wild living. The more they sought after the world, the more unhappy they became. The more they achieved greatness, the lower they plunged into despair and hopelessness. Many, finding no joy in all they possessed, found suicide the only solution to their misery.

True peace and happiness is not found in the things we possess. It can only be realized in a relationship with our creator. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor, educated or not, live in a mansion or shack. Joy is found in the presence of God. This earthly life can be rewarding, but it is fleeting nonetheless. The question is, “What will we do in the day of judgment?”