There is always this question in our minds what to pursue first. We get out of high school and we think, “Okay, what is next?” The answer may be college. Once we graduate from college we usually launch our career. And somewhere in there we get married and start having children. Life is busy and chaotic at times, probably most of the time.
At this point we are just running one hundred miles per hour just trying to keep the heat on and food on the table, so it seems. As time passes the expenses get higher and we start to feel choked out with everything. Our priorities start to get all mixed up. We suddenly, without even really thinking about it, start living a life of survival. I have to make money, pay the bills, get a house and a car. And I need this, this, and this.
I have felt this way many times. You start out in life not really “planning” anything. We think we are planning but reality is we are not. Most of us don’t sit down to count the cost we just plunge ahead. And before we know it we are in the rat race of life just like everyone else.
I didn’t sit down and count the cost. Although I am glad I got married and had my children, I didn’t sit down and really calculate what it would take. And over the years it has been way harder than I ever imagined.
We do need to calculate the cost of everything we do. But there is one ingredient that is often be left out of the equation. And that is, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
We get so busy making money and trying to survive in life that we often forget what our priorities should be. We need to be seeking God. We need to be seeking Him every day, not just once a week when we go to church.
Some might be saying, “But I have to make a living, pay the bills and take care of my family.” Yes, and God even says that taking care of your family is very important. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8 This is a very strong verse. God doesn’t want lazy people because He also says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6
It is really all about getting a person’s priorities straight. What God says is to Seek Him First. Here are some suggestions to follow.
- Seek God first. I would really challenge you in this area. I have experienced not taking the time to seek God in the morning, as well as seeking Him the first thing. Which requires getting up earlier. I have found that when I do seek Him first I am less tired, get more done in the day, and things go more smoothly. Being able to seek God in the morning starts the day before by going to bed early. It may be hard to do but it is a must.
- Make a budget. Too many times we have to work more hours because we need more money. But a lot of times if we would budget our money and really seek God on how we spend we would buy less, save more and really be able to live comfortably without working the long hours.
- Prioritize your days. Start by getting rid of the time wasters. It is amazing if we really look at our day how much time we can recover just from unnecessary things we may be doing. I have found it helpful to lay out an ideal week for myself. It does take some time to get it to work. The whole family could do this as well. Each person can have their day in such a way as to have the priorities where they need to be. We should budget our time just like we do our money so that nothing is wasted.
These are just a few things that I have found helpful. I have found that if I am consistent with these things it makes a difference, the blessings that come our amazing.
Dear Father,
We can struggle so much in wasting our time and money and not even recognize it. And we end up pushing You out of the picture, which just leads to more disasters. Forgive us for getting so caught up in the things of this world. Prompt our minds to seek You first. Prompt us with Your Spirit every time we go to waste time or money. Thank You for Your love and patience.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I challenge you to seek God first. He needs to be first in every area of our lives, money, time, etc. It is worth it! And watch amazing things happen.
What about you? Have you made God first? Do you have a story of what God has done for you when you made Him first? I would love to hear it. Share below.