Life is busy, and it seems to be getting busier every day. Supposedly, there was a time when life was simpler; we were not as busy, and we spent more time at home. But those days, if they ever existed, are now a part of distant history. Today, we seem to be so busy that we barely have time for family and the most important things in life let alone our devotion to Jesus. Would it not be wonderful if we could find simplicity in our lives? Would it not be wonderful if we could have the time to do the most important things while pushing less important items further into our schedule?
One of the most important things in life, yet, one of the things that gets pushed out of our schedule, is our daily devotional time with the Lord. When was the last time that you had one full hour to enjoy being in the presence of God without distraction? When was the last time you prayed fervently to God without interruption? How can we improve our schedules to include more time the Lord? In his inspired wisdom, Solomon reminds us that there is a time for everything in life (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). We struggle because we fail to keep things in their appropriate priorities. Routine events have a way of becoming urgent events. The most important things in life are squeezed out because of these non-emergency urgencies.
Procrastination
We create trouble for ourselves when we procrastinate. A television comedy actor once said, “why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” As silly as that sounds, it has become the norm for many people today. The magazine Psychology Today, suggests that as many as 20% of Americans are chronic procrastinators. The magazine notes that procrastination is not a problem of time management but a problem of self-regulation. Another way of saying it is that we have a problem with self-discipline. ((Psychology Today, at https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200308/procrastination-ten-things-know))
The Bible frequently speaks of discipline. While it may mean some form of physical punishment, such is not always the case. Paul said that he disciplined his body space to bring it into subjection (1 Corinthians 9:27). Jewish King Herod Agrippa, new of Jesus and was acquainted with the church, but Agrippa would not submit to the Lord. Paul tried to encourage him, but his procrastination persisted (Acts 26:24-29).
We might find a happier, simpler life if we would learn not to procrastinate.
Priorities
Every person has the power to set their priorities. While there are true emergencies that we must deal with, we control everything else. To lead a simpler godlier life, we must set the right priorities.
The classic biblical text on priorities is certainly Matthew 6:33. Jesus says, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” Few would argue that the improvement of our spiritual life is the most important task we face. The strength of our faith affects every task and responsibility we have. Unless we make our faith a priority, we will struggle with every other aspect of our life. Following Jesus is demanding. Even the Lord himself acknowledged the sacrifices that must be made to serve him. In Matthew 10: 37, Jesus declared that we must put him first even before our families.
When our first priority is Christ, the remainder of our life will be well ordered, much simpler, and we will be far happier.
We must not allow less important matters to distract from the most important matters. Determine now to put God first in your life. Resist the cries of the insignificant and pursue those things that bring righteousness and eternal life.
