Have you ever wanted to transform a demanding situation into something easier to cope with? There is a way.
You must intentionally choose, and it is a choice, to focus your priorities on the relationship you have with God and the calling He has placed upon your life.
Let me share some meaningful ways you can fine-tune your priorities away from the many distractions you face every day.
First of all, make God’s Word a priority.
God has given us His Word as a “life gauge.” The lessons of God’s work will never be outdated and are to inspire and direct every generation.
The works of the Lord are so great, worth a lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark His craft; His generosity never gives out” – Psalm 111:2.
The study of the Bible instructs you on understanding God’s meaning for your life. Merely going to church and hearing someone else teach will not do it. Playing music with Christian lyrics or posting biblical thoughts on your social media will not do it. Only you can take the personal initiative to study God’s Word.
Another way to fine-tune your priorities is by doing good.
It’s incredible how we develop a different attitude toward virtually everything when we begin to make others a priority.
Did you know that a good attitude will enhance the thoughts we develop in our minds, the words that come out of our mouths, and the acts of love we share.
Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this mean and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night” – Philippians 2:15.
My great-uncle Ben made it a habit throughout his life by encouraging the people around him. Whenever he would come across a newspaper or magazine article that he thought someone had a particular interest in; he would carefully clip it out, enclose a handwritten note, and take it to the post office. This was long before email and the internet.
Did you know there are so many natural ways to encourage people? As simple as acknowledging by name those who serve you (in restaurants, at the post office, wherever) or being available to someone who may be having a stressful day. People appreciate even the smallest amount of encouragement. Make it a priority to do good to others.
And let me give you one final way to fine-tune your priorities, and this is a gift you can give yourself. And that is to …
Be mindful of guarding your integrity.
Every day we are confronted with moments that scream for us to compromise our integrity.
We hear words like: Turn a blind eye. Stay silent in the face of wrong. It’s much easier to remain quiet than it is to speak up.
Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone – except God.” – Rev. Billy Graham
When the importance of our decisions becomes focused on self-centered motives (What do I get out of it? How will this elevate my position?), we soon discover this is no more than temporary satisfaction. Self-centeredness craves more and more attention. Listen, faithfulness to God’s directives outlined in the Bible should be our only true priority. We guard our integrity when serving God faithfully amid potential distractions.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things” – Philippians 4:8.
Friends, it’s so easy to allow distractions, busyness, status, and many other things to cause your focus to become blurry. Allow me to encourage you to stay focused on all the good that God has called you to do with your life. Perhaps there are even some other ways you have found helpful in fine-tuning your priorities.