A Time to Prioritize for the Congregation is the theme of the Bible study. There is obviously an impact for the individual when it comes to priorities in life, but I wanted to step back and ask the church what we are doing.
What Comes First
We all have the same twenty-four hours in a day, yet it often feels as though there is never enough time. Work, family, responsibilities, possessions, entertainment, and countless other demands compete for our attention. The question is not simply, “How can I fit everything in?” A better question is, “What comes first?” God’s Word calls us to examine our priorities. Joshua challenged Israel, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” before declaring, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Jesus makes that choice even clearer: “You cannot serve both God and money.” That can be uncomfortable, because the things competing with God are often good things. Money, work, possessions, family, recreation, and accomplishments are blessings from God. But God’s gifts become idols when they take the place in our hearts that belongs to the Giver.
God’s Gifts To Us
And this is where stewardship must begin—not with what we give to God, but with what God has given to us. Our hearts are divided toward God, but God’s heart has never been divided toward us. Jesus gave himself completely for us. He perfectly served his Father in our place and carried our misplaced priorities and idolatry to the cross. Through his death and resurrection, we are forgiven and made God’s treasured people. That changes the way we think about our time, talents, and treasures. They are not really ours at all. They are gifts entrusted to us by the God who created and redeemed us. Paul therefore encourages us to “make the most of every opportunity,” while Jesus tells us, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” We do not need to frantically pursue everything else. Our heavenly Father already knows what we need.
Christian stewardship begins with one great priority: Christ first. And because Christ first gave himself for us, we can joyfully say with Joshua: “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Want to hear more? Please watch this week’s study, A Time to Prioritize.
Please click HERE for the Bible class slides.