Proverbs 24:27 Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.

Priorities are an issue for everyone. Everyone has things they need to do, things they want to do, and things they have to do. The problem is in sorting them all out. Life has a way of distracting us, but then suddenly reminding us what is really important. In the agrarian society of the day, “outdoor work” was what provided food and everything else for the family, and housing was secondary. These days it gets a lot more complicated. Neglecting your family while chasing promotions at work is hardly a good idea. The thing is, none of us know the future, and none of us has the wisdom to fully evaluate all our options. The only logical solution is to seek first the One who does know the future, who does know what is important and what isn’t, and listen to Him. As Paul pointed out, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) We need to ask Him what those “good works” are, and be quiet enough before Him to hear what He says. This even applies to what this verse says about “outside work.” Jesus stated, clearly and famously, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Even our bodily needs are secondary to knowing and obeying God.

This is a constant battle for me, because I am interested in just about everything, and can very easily be distracted. This past week I have been consumed by computer issues, and other things have come in almost as afterthoughts, even though they might actually have been more important. Thankfully the computer issues are nearing full resolution, though a few things remain. Far more pressing is the fact that tomorrow is our annual church business meeting, when we gather to talk about what God has done among us in the past year and seek Him for what He wants to do through us in the year ahead. One of our newer members was floored yesterday to hear that we have very good attendance at our business meetings. The sister who was leading the service this past Sunday, in announcing the business meeting, was talking about how much fun they are. I don’t think our newer members believed her! That said, the financial reporting needs to be accurate and faithful, and there are things we are legally required to report to the government. Meanwhile, a new school term has just begun, and I have new school classes to deal with. My influence on those students will impact them for many years to come, and I must not take that lightly. Many years ago now the Lord told me to rest, relax, and rejoice. I am to do that, while being careful to fulfill the tasks He has for me on the schedule He lays out, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You indeed for how the computer issues are being resolved. Help me not be uptight about anything, but rather flow with Your Spirit on Your schedule, knowing that You already have the solution for every issue, whether I see that solution in this life or not. May I be Your agent to accomplish Your will, whether the particular situation seems “spiritual” or not, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!