Identifying What’s Important

By Joe Slater

    We place a higher importance on some things than on others. Aside from simply asking, how can people know what’s really important to us? Here are four ways:
    Talk. We talk about the weather. We talk about our family. We talk about sports. Why? Because these things are important to us. They aren’t bad things, and it’s fine to talk about them. But how much do we talk about God? about the Bible? about the church? “My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all of Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172).
    Time. Each of us has exactly the same amount of time each day. It’s up to us how we use it. It takes time to sleep, work, and eat. Most of us have at least several hours of discretionary time each day. Perhaps we watch some television or read a book. Would that book happen to be the Bible? Do we spend time in prayer and actual study (not just reading) of God’s word? What about church attendance? Compare the time spent meeting with fellow-Christians to what you devote to recreation. Rest and relaxation are important, but so are spiritual matters.
    Treasure. Paying attention to the way we spend our money requires diligent discipline. We might be shocked at how much we fritter away on arbitrary things. I challenge you to compare what you spend on recreation and vacations with what you contribute to the work of the Lord. You estimation of the importance of His work will certainly be reflected by your material support of it.
    Talent. Your talents are not the same as the next person’s, but each one has abilities. We use our talents to earn a living, maintain a home, enjoy a hobby, etc. All of those are good things. What about serving God by helping other people and working on projects for the church? Here again, your use of your talents demonstrates your estimation of the importance of the cause of Christ
    What is really important to you?

 - Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com