IT’S ABOUT YOUR PRIORITIES.
The first thing I want you to do is write down your job(s) titles. Another way of saying it is, “How many hats do you wear?” For example. You might put on your list, Parent, Homemaker, Teacher, Employee, your career and so on. (Don’t get caught up in the specifics, we’ll do that later.)
Now, before you write that list, consider this title. Christian or follower of Christ. I know that some people might assume this or others might hesitate placing it on their list for various reasons. But if you’re going to be a full time follower of Jesus, then shouldn’t this title be at the very top of your list? Then as you begin to create the rest of your list, it’s effect will be felt on everything else. Thus you will be a Christian parent, a Christian employee, A Christian . . . .
So I’ll share with you my list. I am a follower of Christ, I am also a pastor, a presbyter (some might say bishop) and a worship leader. I am a father and a husband. I am teacher, a giver and a helper. I am a futurist, a leader/influencer. I am a church growth coach and a life coach. I am a friend to sinners and saints. I am a dance dad (as appointed by my daughter) and I sit on the advisory board of the Treasure Coast’s first professional dance company. (I didn’t see that one coming). I am a blogger and a writer. No, I am not a juggler - I just budget my time.
I want you to take the week to work on this list. At some point you need to place them in order of importance. (My list above isn’t in any particular order.) #1 being the most important and then everything that follows. Take some time to pray on this and allow God to help you put your list in order.
Now why should you do this? Most people have too many hats. There is nothing you can do about it. Life will just do this to you. However, you can budget how much time each hat gets. It isn’t necessarily that #1 gets the most time, but it will get the best time. While #2 or #3 may get the most time, it doesn’t necessarily have to have all your time. Once you discover what is most important in your life, you will then being to discover the satisfaction of knowing you haven’t wasted your time or lost it.
WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES?
Many times I find that people do what they are told, instead of what they should do. For example, years ago I had a couple in my office who were headed for divorce court. After a few questions I discovered that their whole world was about their kids. They thought that they would be bad parents if they didn't do everything they could do for their kids. Where did they learn this? From their parents, who were divorced. Hmmm
It took some time for them to discover that they were married to each other and not to their kids. Once they understood that priority, they made time for each other and saved their marriage.
NOTE: Now as you might guess, I think that being a follower of Jesus should be #1. It will have a profound effect on ever other priority in your life (IN A GREAT AND WONDERFUL WAY).
So order your list the way you think it is suppose to be.
BUT I CAN'T DO THAT.
It is possible that some areas of your life are so out of control that you can't just "disconnect" from them and do whatever. For example. If you cannot budget your finances you may be working extra hours just to pay the bills. Time that you should be dedicating to something more important.
If this is the case #1 ADMIT IT. You will never get anywhere living in denial. #2 ASK YOURSELF "What am I going to do about this? Until you can answer this question - you will never change your life.
THIS ISN'T AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS.
No it isn't. To be honest, it took me a year and a half to get this part right.
WHAT IS THE REWARD?
The power to say NO. When you know what is more important, you can say no to things that are nothing more than distractions and time stealers.
Peace - You don't have to feel guilty about things you don't do. Plus people lose their ability to make you feel guilty for not doing what they want you to do.
Security - When you know that you are doing the right thing at the right time. Then there are no apologies to make later in life.
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