Two words that begin with the letter “P” today … “Preoccupation” and “Priorities”
Both words important for effective and fruitful “Christ-followers!”
We live in a world and in a cultural setting that is “Pre-occupied” with the material things that have to do with everyday life – the “here and now” … where and what we eat, what we drink, what we wear, and where we live. Stand around a water cooler at work and just listen. Examine conversations you’ve had with others. Think about what has occupied your mind and concerns lately. Hey, it’s easy to become “Preoccupied” with those things isn’t it? Concern for them begins to just “gobble us up!”
But life is “more” than those things according to Scripture!
For Christ-followers the “Kingdom of God” or “the Kingdom of Heaven” needs to have “Priority” (there’s that second word)!
Here’s how the Bible puts it in Matthew 6:25-33 (part of my Bible reading this morning during “coffee with the Lord”)…
“I tell you [Jesus speaking] not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear! Isn’t life more than food, your body, and more than clothing? … These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers [“Preoccupation,” if you please], but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs! Instead, seek the Kingdom of God above all else [“Prioritize” it and its values] and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need [some versions say “everything else”]! (From Matthew 6:25-33 NLT)
Ask anyone that understands the keys to success and effectiveness… They will tell you “Preoccupation” with the wrong things – even many things – leads to frustration, failure, and fruitlessness! On the other hand, proper “Priorities” lead to fulfillment, fruitfulness and success!
Gotta tell you, with the Lord’s help, the Holy Spirit’s “nudge,” and the principles and values of Scripture in focus, as a follower of Christ, I want to “Prioritize” [there’s that word again!] God’s Kingdom and right living! Life is “more” than “Preoccupation” with the concerns of just the “here and now!” How did the old Gospel song put it… “With eternity’s values in view, Lord, With eternity’s values in view; May I do each day’s work for Jesus, With eternity’s values in view.” That’s the way I want to live!
Coffee With The Lord 