Priorities are a favorite topic for life coaches, corporate consult-ants, therapists, personal trainers, financial advisors, and physicians. We set our goals, spend our time, and manage our money based on them—or at least we know we should. Often, however, there is a disconnect between our named priorities and our actual living.
Here is some advice from a World War II survivor. Viktor Frankl, a Jewish Austrian psychiatrist, survived four different concentration camps; he lost his parents, brother, and young wife. In 1946, reflecting on his own experiences and all he had witnessed, Viktor wrote Man’s Search for Meaning, a classic of the 20th century. It has never been out of print and has sold more than 16 million copies. Viktor challenges the common priorities of success and happiness:
Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.
He summarizes all he learned in these words: “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear with almost any ‘how.’”
A ‘Why’ to Live
Self-help books instruct us to take up the cause of ourselves. Healthier meals, improved sleep, and a better understanding of relationships are all fine goals. However, the Bible teaches what Viktor Frankl learned in the camps—that we need a purpose greater than ourselves. As followers of Jesus, we look beyond ourselves and our interests for our truest priorities; “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
We belong to the Lord because God created us. We belong to the Lord because Jesus gave His life for us and opened the door to God’s intimate presence. Therefore, we have much to aim for, much to learn, much yet to do. Paul prayed for believers just like us:
We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and under-standing. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. – Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)
As we grow in faith, we will honor the Lord and please Him more and more, and our lives will be full of “good fruit.” What could be better? Say yes to what you know will honor God, and say no to the culture’s messages that do not praise God. First-century Christians had to wrestle with this just as we do. Listen to what Paul wrote:
Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity. – Romans 12:2 (PHILLIPS)
A Deep and Simple Life
Another wise voice offers these words: “Life is deep and simple, and what our society gives us is shallow and complicated.” So said Fred Rogers, creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the acclaimed children’s television program.
None of us would argue with the “shallow and complicated” part. Too many voices and choices, too much media and marketing dulls our sensibilities. We all feel it. How do we live a life that is deep and simple?
Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV). Jesus speaks to our deepest desires and our highest aspirations. We want worthy values to infuse our life choices. We want to live with character, courage, and integrity. We want to live as God’s people. We want fruitful lives.
“Seek first the kingdom of God,” Jesus says. That is your priority and mine. Seek what is simple and deep, remembering that the Lord is God and that you belong to Him.
by Pastor June Barrow
