In this day and time, people have become extremely busy. One might say too busy. We have too many things to do and not enough time to do them.
Everything seems to be important. Our planners are full and often the most important things we need to do are left undone.
The question is how do we do everything we think we need to do? I think we need to be realistic and recognized the fact that everything we want to do is not what we need to do. We need to set priorities.
As a pastor and teacher, I live a very busy life. It seems like I'm always on the go. If it is not doing something at school, I'm busy with the church. It is easy as a pastor to neglect the family because everything seems to be important. I'm blessed that my children are grown and on their own. However, I have learned that you have to set priorities in your life. You have to decide what is important. You have to narrow your focus so that you do at least one thing well or we will become jacks-of-all trades and masters on none.
The Bible teaches us to set priorities in our lives. Jesus said on one occasion "to seek ye first the kingdom of God and these things shall be added unto you." He cautioned us against worrying or should I say stressing over things. (Luke 32:25-31) Stress is a killer and if you continued to add stress to your life, you can prematurely end your life. Jesus came that you might have life and that more abundantly. We need to get our priorities straight in order to life a stress free life.
In setting priorities we have to learn to trust God. The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path." (Proverbs 3:5-6) If you acknowledge God in all your ways, you are sure to accomplish the important things in life. As a Christian, what is important to God should be important to me. I trust God to handle the things in my life as I live a life pleasing to him.
In setting priorities we have to understand that there is a time and season for everything. Ecelesiastes teaches us that there is a time and season for everything. Timing is everything. We cannot get some things done because it is not the right season for it. Our timing is off. We have to learn how to wait on the Lord. In due season, you shall reap if you faint not. We should use our time wisely. Time is the one thing that cannot be stored up. If you do not use your time wisely, it will be lost forever. Time cannot be stored up but it can be managed. Spend time of those things that are priorities in our lives.
In setting priorities you also have to understand that what is priority in your life will occupy the most of your time. If your job is priority, then you will devote the most time to the job. Remember action speaks louder than words. I know we have to work in order to survive in this world, but sometime we spend too much time working. When you begin to neglect your family and God in the process, something is wrong. We need to get our priorities straight
Allow me to say a word to our youth as we approach a new school year. Our young people need to understand that education is important and at this time of their lives getting an education should be at the top of their list of priorities. If education is a priority in your life, you will do what you need to do to get it. For 180 days, your mind should be focused on getting to the next level. Time needs to be set aside for study and doing the things that will help you accomplish your goals. Preparing yourself for the fixture is far better than having a good time now.
It is time to get our priorities straight. In doing so, we can live a less stressful and joyous life. You need to spent time doing the things that are important in your life. Make good use of your time. Your time is meant to treasure, invest, manage, and enjoy.
Jackson is the pastor of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church on Elim Road and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.
Everything seems to be important. Our planners are full and often the most important things we need to do are left undone.
The question is how do we do everything we think we need to do? I think we need to be realistic and recognized the fact that everything we want to do is not what we need to do. We need to set priorities.
As a pastor and teacher, I live a very busy life. It seems like I'm always on the go. If it is not doing something at school, I'm busy with the church. It is easy as a pastor to neglect the family because everything seems to be important. I'm blessed that my children are grown and on their own. However, I have learned that you have to set priorities in your life. You have to decide what is important. You have to narrow your focus so that you do at least one thing well or we will become jacks-of-all trades and masters on none.
The Bible teaches us to set priorities in our lives. Jesus said on one occasion "to seek ye first the kingdom of God and these things shall be added unto you." He cautioned us against worrying or should I say stressing over things. (Luke 32:25-31) Stress is a killer and if you continued to add stress to your life, you can prematurely end your life. Jesus came that you might have life and that more abundantly. We need to get our priorities straight in order to life a stress free life.
In setting priorities we have to learn to trust God. The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path." (Proverbs 3:5-6) If you acknowledge God in all your ways, you are sure to accomplish the important things in life. As a Christian, what is important to God should be important to me. I trust God to handle the things in my life as I live a life pleasing to him.
In setting priorities we have to understand that there is a time and season for everything. Ecelesiastes teaches us that there is a time and season for everything. Timing is everything. We cannot get some things done because it is not the right season for it. Our timing is off. We have to learn how to wait on the Lord. In due season, you shall reap if you faint not. We should use our time wisely. Time is the one thing that cannot be stored up. If you do not use your time wisely, it will be lost forever. Time cannot be stored up but it can be managed. Spend time of those things that are priorities in our lives.
In setting priorities you also have to understand that what is priority in your life will occupy the most of your time. If your job is priority, then you will devote the most time to the job. Remember action speaks louder than words. I know we have to work in order to survive in this world, but sometime we spend too much time working. When you begin to neglect your family and God in the process, something is wrong. We need to get our priorities straight
Allow me to say a word to our youth as we approach a new school year. Our young people need to understand that education is important and at this time of their lives getting an education should be at the top of their list of priorities. If education is a priority in your life, you will do what you need to do to get it. For 180 days, your mind should be focused on getting to the next level. Time needs to be set aside for study and doing the things that will help you accomplish your goals. Preparing yourself for the fixture is far better than having a good time now.
It is time to get our priorities straight. In doing so, we can live a less stressful and joyous life. You need to spent time doing the things that are important in your life. Make good use of your time. Your time is meant to treasure, invest, manage, and enjoy.
Jackson is the pastor of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church on Elim Road and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.