Your Number 1 Priority

Have you ever made a priority list? #1, I need to clean my room; #2, I need to wash the dishes; #3, I need to walk the dog; and so on.  There is a lot you’d like to accomplish; but if #1 gets done, that’s all that matters, because that is the most important one. Having clarity on the #1 priority can really help to relieve stress about the rest and put your focus where it belongs.

In the Christian life, #1 is Jesus being glorified.  It is Him being seen for who He is and people worshipping Him.  Isn’t that simple? We all want a lot of different things: a good family, successful job, respect of peers, long life, etc.  But some of those things just aren’t going to happen.  So should we feel bad? No, not as long as #1 gets done.  Here’s an example: You are in a tough position at work.  Your peers want you to go along with them and do something immoral.  This will gain their respect and encourage a promotion, but it will dishonor the Lord.  What do you do? You want the promotion, but you also want to honor Jesus.  Well, if you have your priorities in place, you will be satisfied so long as #1 gets accomplished.  If God happens to honor you and promote you in addition, great. But if not—who cares? Jesus has been glorified.

This should serve to simplify things.  There are SO MANY THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT.  Cars, jobs, relationships, school, money, health, the economy, natural disasters, the list goes on.  And you could run yourself rampant thinking about it all.  But if, at the end of the day, Jesus is glorified—and He will be—you can breathe a sigh of relief.  The Bible promises that, “Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:9,10).

Take a minute to reprioritize your concerns right now. Tell the Lord, “I commit my life to you.  Your glory is the most important thing. Help my life to reflect that.” And see what He does to honor your heart.  He will certainly bring you more peace and perspective, according to His promise, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33).  Jesus will be glorified; the rest will fall into place.