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One of the most difficult transitions for the disciple is the establishment of priorities, or putting thing in order by their importance. These include priority of time, energy, family, ministry money, habits, recreation, work, friends, and possessions. From these wide areas of life proceed smaller priorities such as housing, type of dress, places we go, job, physical appearance, school, language, etc.
At once we see that priority levels are determined by decision making. Decisions are made because of choices. The concept of two worlds, two natures, and two lives require definite decisions.1 The Holy Spirit helps in making these decisions.
From the beginning the Lord Jesus taught His followers to make decisions, or choices. The first choice is to decide if we really want to follow the Lord.2 The so called, putting of your hand to the plow, is still a priority choice. The choice to follow is before all other choices.
In Colossians 3, the priorities of the old and new nature, marriage, children and job are contrasted.3 The choice in these matters is to decide in Christ's way or our way. The victory is in seeing Christ's character in our every situation. The disciple is excited in changing, not dragging out their choices. The standard of all priority is Christ-likeness.
Scripture teaches us about those that had priority problems. Jonah places his pride above the lost of Nineveh.4 Job saw his righteousness as perfected.5 Solomon struggled with his wisdom and concluded that everyone should fear God and keep His commandments.6 Further, Jesus spoke of the rich young ruler who had a problem with his possessions.
7 Many of the Proverbs are contrasts of decisions in priorities.8
Scripture also gives examples of positive priority decisions. Sarah, by choosing God's way had a son in spite of her old age.9 Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice as God directed.10 Priority is based on God's will. We make choices to be Christ-like knowing that it is God's will.
Scripture teaches that Christians should set their minds on things above, and seek the things that are above.11 This assures us of living within the new nature.12 That is our Priority. As disciples it is our great joy to be like our King Jesus.
Additional Scripture References:
Colossians 1-3
Ephesians 2:1-5, Ephesians 4:22-25
2 Corinthians 13:5,11
1. Colossians 1:13
2. Matthew 8:18-22
3. Colossians 3
4. Jonah 1-3
5. Job 42:1-6
6. Ecclesiastes 12:13
7. Luke+18:18-30
8. Proverbs 11:24, Proverbs 12:1
9. Hebrews 11:11
10. Hebrews 11:19
11. Colossians 3:1-4
12. Ephesians 4:22-24
© Copyright 2001 Lighthouse Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
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