Right Priorities
- Nate Spees
- Jul 11, 2010
A Life Journal entry by Nate Spees
Scripture
I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24
Observation
This verse is an excerpt of the farewell Paul gave to the Ephesian elders. Some of the topics he speaks on through his testimony and charge, are humility (v19), empathy (v31), Preaching with conviction (v20/28), as well as “right priorities.” (v24)
Application
As I read this verse another verse comes to mind, in Phillipians 3:13-14 Paul’s testimony strikes a similar chord to this exhortation. “Forgetting what is behind...reaching forward to what lies ahead.” Both verses appeal to the exposition Paul is giving to the elders at Ephesus. He appeals to them, testifying that his goals involve forgetting about ones self.
“I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself”
He says, “Forget about the failures, temptations, weakness, and even the accomplishments; be focused on God and his plans for the future.” Paul is challenging the elders at Ephesus to do a priority checkup, like he had often done in his life. I believe the gist of what Paul is saying can be summed up, “Make sure the main thing, remains the main thing.” Paul is asking the enders if Jesus Christ is central to their life, ministry, and desires. Is this the case in my life?
One of the reasons I may not see “effectiveness” in my faith and ministry may be due to how my priorities are lined up. So often my priorities become self-centered. I tend to value my life more than I value my witness. Often I value the praise of men, higher than seeking the plaudits of God.
What Paul does in this verse is challenges the core of our priorities. He encourages the elders in Ephesus with the end of the verse,
“So that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”
Put in our terms, “Focus on God, His purposes for your life, and sharing the gospel of grace.” When our priorities are in order, big things happen. Paul’s life is a testimony to that, he was used in mighty ways by God and expand the kingdom throughout his known world.
So are my priorities in order today? Is God central to my existence? What is the “main thing” for me today? Am I living my life, or am I giving it away?
When I live dead to myself, focused on my purpose in Christ anything is possible!
Prayer
Father God, I thank you for your Word and for speaking to me every time I read it. You challenge my heart and through the work of your Spirit draw me to yourself. I pray Father that you will continue to teach me to live in your presence and to walk this life with my priorities straight. I love you and praise you. Amen