Spiritual Priorities

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Remember the old Abbot and Costello skit: “Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know is on third…”

I have been pondering that question lately: Who’s on first? Who is first in my life? I wish I could say God was all the time but to be honest, that is not always true.

I heard a speaker last week, Rev, Dan Schrock, pastor of the Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen Indiana, speak about five attachments we cling to instead of God. Many of these affections are not bad, but just disordered. We hold onto them tightly, putting them in first place – a place reserved only for God.
“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14.

What takes the place of God as priorities in our hearts and lives?

1. Physical objects – that new truck, our laptop, the home we have lived in for 22 years
2. People – This could be a highly regarded mentor, a close friend and of course, our family
3. Images of self – Being competent, your education, your job, being known as an expert.
4. Feelings – discouragement, anxiety, fears
5. Spiritual things – A special prayer practice, a pastor or a church building, even your image of God

I was aware of the first two, but the last three gave me new perspective to what blocks me from God.

I have long felt pride in my self image as an independent woman. Lately God has shown that my self sufficiency is not a strength but a weakness. He is the strength I rely upon in my dependence fully on him, not in my independence on self.

I struggled much of my life with the feelings of discouragement and anxiety. I have allowed them to control my behaviors, when God is the only one really in control.

Spiritually I hang onto the images I have of God instead of answering his invitation to see him in new ways.

God only has eyes for us. His eyes focus on his creation. He invites us to do the same with him. To have him as number one, for God to be our primary focus, in our hearts, minds and lives.

Who’s on first for you?

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Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    so good to hear from all of you. The word disordered gives me hope – God created the world out of disorders, He certainly can help sort out the disorder in my life!

  2. blankMelinda says

    Hi Jeanie!
    Great thoughts … It is always such a battle to keep God first. And, like you said, we put some things ahead of him without even really realizing it. Pride, the subtle desire to look good, is one I’m always fighting back.

    Been so busy lately … lots going on at my house. Would love to reconnect via telephone soon, though. I’ll email you and see if we can find a time. I don’t know about you, but I could use some recharging. My creative energy is lagging at the moment! ;0)

  4. blankKaren says

    Disordered. Yes, I have those too. Feelings at this point in my life are heavy and I need to constantly remind myself to put Him first.

    Thanks dear Jeanie.

  6. blankColleen says

    I love how you wrote this using Who’s On First? A great fun phrase that helps us to remember. For me, my desire to be in control and my need to be perfect often keep me from putting God on First. Thanks.