So what’s on your list?

When we turn on our respective entertainment devices, we run the gamut of advertising paraphernalia. The ads just don’t stop. They each vie to be the first and foremost on your mind. Whether it’s a new mower or a juicy hamburger, advertisers want you to think of them first. Even churches advertise to let you know they can out do, or out preach another church.

We often get caught up in the blitz of advertising dazzle whether it is for laundry soap, or where we will spend an hour on Sunday. But in all the advertising I see, the one advertisement I don’t see is anything that says, “Put God first!”

Yet, that is exactly what we are called to do. As followers of Christ, our first consideration in anything is our focus on God. Romans, 12:2, John 14:6, Colossians 3:1-1, John 1:1-51 and many other passages point to having a focus on Christ, not the world. Even the greatest commandment is to love God first and Love your Neighbors.

Okay, now you are probably asking, “What is the point?” Well, I have noticed that God is not the primary focus in our lives, our world and even (dare I say) in our churches. We, as a people, have a problem putting God first in anything.

Think about it, how many times do we wake up thinking about God or go to bed with God on our minds? How many of us are actually in weekly Bible studies, or covenant groups? How much time do we really spend in daily focused prayer and worship?

Oh, I know, we have much to do. There is the job, or the kids. School is always doing something, and we must be there. Sunday is my only day off, so I need to stay home and rest. After work I am so wiped out, how could I possibly attend prayer meeting.

Look, I know the world tries to keep us busy. But, if we make the world the priority, then we will always be busy, always tired, and never fulfilled. However, if we make Christ/God our priority, well things will change. Putting Christ at the top of your to do list, and letting Him have that list, means there will always be time for what’s important. The operative word is important.

You do realize that many of the things to which we give priority aren’t really important? Consider the things that you are called to do, how many of them could wait 15 minutes so you can pray? At work, do you have to take a break for the gossip, or can you go to a quiet place and pray? Do you really need to spend your free time watching social media or playing video games.

God has blessed us with 24-hour days. (eight hours of which are to be set aside for rest). He calls us to Sabbath one day a week. Truth be known, He wants to be in our lives every minute of every day. Maybe, as we approach the holiday season, it time to rethink our priority list and put God on the top. Just a thought.

Shalom my friends.

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.