In our fast-paced world, filled with endless distractions and demands, prioritizing God over worldly distractions can seem like an overwhelming task. However, the Bible offers timeless principles that can guide us in managing our time and focusing on what truly matters. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I believe these principles are not only practical but also spiritually enriching. Let's delve into some key biblical teachings that can help us prioritize God in our daily lives.
Seek First the Kingdom of God
One of the most direct teachings on prioritization comes from Jesus Himself. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells His followers:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
This verse is foundational for understanding how to prioritize God. Jesus is telling us that our primary focus should be on God's kingdom and His righteousness. This means that our relationship with God and our pursuit of His will should come before anything else. When we make God our priority, everything else falls into its proper place. This doesn't mean that our other responsibilities are unimportant, but rather that they should be secondary to our commitment to God.
Redeem the Time
The Apostle Paul provides another crucial principle in his letter to the Ephesians:
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)
Paul emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely. The phrase "making the best use of the time" can also be translated as "redeeming the time." This suggests that time is a valuable resource that should be used purposefully. In a world filled with distractions, it is easy to waste time on things that do not contribute to our spiritual growth or our relationship with God. By being intentional about how we use our time, we can ensure that we are dedicating sufficient time to God through prayer, Bible study, and service.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus Himself provides the ultimate example of how to prioritize God. Throughout the Gospels, we see that Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray:
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16, NIV)
Despite His busy ministry, Jesus made it a priority to spend time alone with God. This practice of withdrawing for prayer and reflection is something we can emulate. By setting aside regular times for prayer and meditation, we can ensure that our relationship with God remains strong and that we are continually seeking His guidance.
The Mary and Martha Story
The story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke offers another valuable lesson on prioritizing God:
"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:40-42, NIV)
In this story, Martha is busy with the tasks of hospitality, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus gently rebukes Martha, pointing out that Mary has chosen the better part. This story teaches us that while our daily responsibilities are important, they should not overshadow our time with God. Like Mary, we should prioritize sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His words.
The Sabbath Principle
The concept of the Sabbath is another biblical principle that can help us prioritize God. In the Old Testament, God commands His people to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest:
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." (Exodus 20:8-11, ESV)
The Sabbath is a time set apart for rest and worship, reminding us that our ultimate rest is found in God. In our modern context, we may not observe the Sabbath in the same way, but the principle remains relevant. Setting aside regular time for rest and spiritual renewal helps us to focus on God and prevents us from becoming consumed by the busyness of life.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Another important aspect of prioritizing God is cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Paul lists these qualities in his letter to the Galatians:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)
When we focus on developing these qualities, we are aligning ourselves with God's will and allowing His Spirit to work in us. This inward transformation helps us to prioritize God in our thoughts, actions, and decisions. It also helps us to resist the distractions and temptations of the world.
The Role of Community
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of community in our spiritual lives. The early Christians are described as being devoted to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer:
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)
Being part of a Christian community provides support, accountability, and encouragement. It helps us to stay focused on God and to grow in our faith. When we are surrounded by fellow believers who share our commitment to God, we are less likely to be swayed by worldly distractions.
Practical Steps for Prioritizing God
While these biblical principles provide a solid foundation, it is also helpful to consider practical steps for applying them in our daily lives. Here are a few suggestions:
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Daily Devotions: Set aside time each day for prayer and Bible reading. This can be in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bed. The key is consistency.
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Sabbath Rest: Designate a day or a portion of a day each week for rest and spiritual renewal. Use this time to reflect, pray, and worship.
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Limit Distractions: Identify the distractions that consume your time and take steps to limit them. This might involve setting boundaries around social media, television, or other activities.
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Join a Community: Get involved in a local church or small group. Participate in regular fellowship and service opportunities.
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Set Priorities: Make a list of your priorities and ensure that your relationship with God is at the top. Review this list regularly and adjust as needed.
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Accountability: Find a trusted friend or mentor who can hold you accountable and encourage you in your spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Prioritizing God over worldly distractions is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. By seeking first the kingdom of God, redeeming the time, following Jesus' example, learning from Mary and Martha, observing the Sabbath principle, cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, and engaging in community, we can keep our focus on what truly matters. These biblical principles, combined with practical steps, will help us to live lives that are centered on God and reflective of His love and grace.
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