Every day brings a mix of tasks I need to do and others I want to do. I have responsibilities to my family, duties at work, commitments to organizations I’m part of, and personal needs. On top of that, I have many wants. While these wants might seem unnecessary, they’re essential for maintaining my sanity. Succeeding in life means learning to balance both wants and needs.
We’ve all seen what happens when priorities fall out of balance. Some people work too much; others not enough. It’s surprising how much time people spend on trivial things. While it’s important to stay balanced, it’s even more important to get our priorities in the right order.
Our top priority should be strengthening our relationship with God. We see this clearly in the story of Martha and Mary. Martha grows frustrated as Mary sits and talks with Jesus while she handles all the work. Her frustration feels relatable, but Jesus gently reminds her that Mary has chosen the better part. Serving others matters, but our connection with Jesus matters more.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” He isn’t telling us to hate our families. Instead, He’s calling us to place Him above even our closest relationships. Too often, people put more energy into keeping family happy than growing closer to God. We can’t let our families hold us back spiritually. As much as I love my wife and kids and would do almost anything for them, my relationship with Jesus comes first.
When our priorities get out of order, life starts to fall apart. But when we order them correctly, things fall into place. Think of it like a morning routine. Waking up, getting dressed, and then taking a shower leaves you wet, messy, and still dirty underneath. But if you wake up, shower first, and then get dressed, you leave the house clean and ready for the day. The same principle applies spiritually. We won’t get to heaven easier by having great relationships with others at the expense of a weak relationship with God. We need to keep what’s on the inside clean and that cleanliness will show through our exterior as well.
Take a moment to reflect on your life. Are your priorities balanced? Are they in the right order? If life feels difficult or unfulfilling, adjusting your priorities might be exactly what you need to find peace, joy, and happiness.
