Your Daily Devotional for October 13, 2007

 

October 13,  2007

 

 

Analyzing Our Priorities

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."

 

Luke 12:27-31

 

 

Someone once said that there are two ways in which a Christian may view his money. "How much of my money shall I use for God?" or "How much of God's money shall I use for myself?" 

 

As we saw yesterday, God desires that we would place a high priority on Him and His work. While the world tells us that money buys power and satisfaction, God shows us in His Word that true joy comes from Him and investing in His work. It can sometimes be easy to focus on material possessions and goods rather than Christ, but we must seek God rather than money. It would do us all well if we analyzed our priorities today by asking ourselves four questions.

 

First, ask yourself, "Am I trusting God with my finances?" Luke 12:30 says, "For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." Those who do not know Christ often worry about their future and seek to control their finances. But God desires that we would trust Him to take care of us. He knows what we need and He will provide for us! We must not worry about our financial future, but place a priority on God's work and trust Him.

 

Second, we must ask ourselves, "Am I seeking His kingdom first?" Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." God promises that as we seek Him first, He will provide for our needs.

 

As humans we can sometimes worry about our finances, but God wants us to trust Him. If He lays it on your heart to give to Him, do not try to figure out how it will work. Simply trust Him. As you continue to seek Him first, He will provide for your every need.

 

Third, we must ask, "Am I placing treasure in His work?" Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Our hearts are affected by where we place our treasure. When we decide to pursue earthly treasures and material possessions, our hearts will be pulled away from God and to the pleasures of this world. We must make sure we are placing a priority on God's work and investing in it.

 

Last, we must ask ourselves, "Am I preparing to give an account?" One day we will all give an account before God. Romans 14:10 says, "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." The spiritual man is not focusing on what someone else gives or doesn't give, He focuses on what Christ would have him to give. We must make sure we are using every opportunity God has given us to give to Him.

 

Someone once said, "We exist temporarily through what we take; we live forever through what we give." God desires that we would place a high priority on His work and on giving to Him. It can be easy to sometimes focus on worldly possessions rather than on God. We must take time to analyze our priorities and focus on God.

 

What are your priorities in life? Is God's work at the top of the list? When we place God and His work as a priority in our lives, we will have no problem obeying His commandment to give to Him. Take time right now to ask yourself these four questions. Analyze your priorities and see where your heart lies. Spend time with God and ask Him to help you place Him as your priority today.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Isaiah 41-42 • 1 Thessalonians 1

 

 

 

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