Matthew 6:33(NIV)-But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
It is the start of a new week. You create your plan for the week. This plan entails the 3-4 top priorities of things to accomplish each day. Then an unexpected visitor stops by, a friend asked you to go shopping, a “true” emergency occurs, someone else’s emergency suddenly becomes your emergency, or you simply don’t feel like working on that particular priority...these are just a few examples of things/excuses that interfere with sticking to your priorities.
The book First Things First by Stephen R. Covey talks about the process of shifting from urgency to importance. I recently re-read this book and was reminded that for many of us, there is a gap between the compass and the clock - between what’s deeply important to us and the way we spend our time. The reference in the book to the clock and the compass states that the clock represents commitments, appointments, schedules, goals and activities. The compass represents the vision, values, principles, mission, conscience, direction- what we feel is important and how we lead our lives.
How and what is leading your life? What is the first thing on your list of priorities? What is important, not urgent, for to you? Is the clock or the compass setting your priorities? Today’s verse is a reminder to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. I encourage you to revisit your priorities and determine are you keeping first things first?
Dear Father,
Thank you for the reminder to keep first things first. To seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. I pray that all your children keep first things first. That they first seek your kingdom and your righteousness. I ask this in your son Jesus’ name. Amen!
Learn it. Live it. Lead it.
Ilka V. Chavez