It seems quite normal that, for most of us, our interests, priorities and focus constantly change as we journey through life. I can remember as a third grader longing for summer vacation. In fifth grade I desperately wanted a BB gun. I dreamed of having a car as a teenager. In my early twenties I looked forward to college graduation. While attending seminary I yearned to be the pastor of a church. As a parent-to-be, I was anxious for the healthy births of my children. When my children completed high school I had a keen interest in scholarships. After my children concluded their educational pursuits ”job opportunities” became important. Today, among other things, I desire good health and for the house mortgage to be paid off.
Of all the “priorities” listed above, 80% truly fade into insignificance as far as the Kingdom of God is concerned. That means only 20% would be considered to have eternal value (the birth of my children and preaching the Word of God). Only 20%? As a child of the King (and also a husband, parent, grand-parent, minister, neighbor) I should be doing better. I must do better! I recall that in school anything less than 55% was a failing grade.
The Apostle Paul, speaking to Believers, said, …for we shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ…So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10,12. Will Christ’s evaluation of our life be good, bad or mediocre? Will we be thankful or cringe in utter embarrassment before our Lord? 20% is a no-brainer. I still have time to change my priorities to make a difference for eternity. So do you.
Chester Ward
II Corinthians 4:5
Welcome to Spiritual Sundays, Dr. Ward! So glad you’ve joined us. Hope you come back next week. It is good to do a “priority check” once in awhile. Thanks for the reminder to set things straight in our lives!
Thank you for reading the blog and for your kind comments.
Oh, the mortgage. Thanks for reminding us to focus on what really matters–what has value for eternity! Welcome to Spiritual Sundays!
I appreciate you reading the article and your reply.
Thank you so much for reminding us to set our priorities from a Godly perspective!
I am grateful that you read the blog and that is was an encouragement to you.
Hi from Spiritual Sunday…Glad you joined in. and your post on priorities is a good one. Hope your weekend is great.
Thanks for reading the blog and your comments. This is new territory for me
This is my desire also. I want to be involved in what God is doing…right now…today! I want to be doing the “good works” He created for me to do before the foundation of the world. I have felt in my spirit that the time is short and I better get busy! Thank you for this post.
I appreciate your kind comments, and that the topic struck a resonate chord.
Wow…awesome post of encouragement and self-check. Thank you.
indeed…what will God say to me when I enter the gates? Well Done Daughter. You thought on things that were not eternal. You stayed in your comfort zone. You didn’t walk the dangerous path and mingle with others who were walking a path of life without Christ…
What a mediocre life….deserving a mediocre evaluation from HIM…as you said. I am glad you joined in here and will look forward to more posts. Thankful again for the challenge! God bless.
I love the simple language and perfect example of what I should be striving for. Have a blessed week.
I’m so glad you chose to share with us on Spiritual Sundays. This post is a good reminder that we should focus on the things that are truly important in this life. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte