Here me out on this... I've heard many well-intended believers cite the creed of priorities: God first, family second, and ministry third. But the problem with putting God first is that we refuse to put anything dangerous or inconvenient in his category. We take much of what God calls us to do and lump it in the category of ministry so that we don't have to actually do it. Quiet times, sure, that goes in God's box; that's safe and fits well with our schedules. But too bad if something stretches our faith or makes us feel unsafe... or interrupts our family. [I think we'd be surpised to see how receptive our spouses would be to God's direction if we'd only ask them.] God is good, as CS Lewis said, but he isn't safe. And if God is truly first in our lives, then we should be living the danger to prove it.
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maybe God shouldn't be "first". Maybe God should be "first in all".
Posted by: david | August 27, 2007 at 12:52 PM
great insight Ben...I found myself reciting the priorities 1,2,3 like you mentnioned yesterday in my message...but you are right...God should permeate all of our priorities
Posted by: Steve Markle | August 27, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Powerful..."living the danger", I may have to use that one. Thanks for another great insight Ben!
Posted by: Jim Henry | August 27, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Couldn't agree more! I have said for years that the "creed of priorities" as you call it, is not even a biblical concept! Jesus said: Love God. Love people. Equal commandments! Go, man!
Posted by: shawn lovejoy | August 28, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Nice, great insight and perspective.
Posted by: Clayton Bell | August 28, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Brilliant - Thanks for speaking your mind. Planters like myself are learning from you.
Posted by: Marty | August 29, 2007 at 11:28 PM
I kind of agree with David's comment above. Perhaps we should put God in all the other compartments in our life rather than putting things in God's box.
Posted by: Brad Walker | September 03, 2007 at 01:25 PM