Priorities: Get them right or Deal with the consequences!

Priorities! To fulfill the role of the dads God created, planned, and proposed for us, we need to prioritize correctly!! I know I’ve shared the need to put first things first so that everything else can take care of itself. When we ignore this truth we find ourselves with health issues in our bodies, marriages, and families. What I have discovered is that when I put my priorities in the order of God first, my wife second, and my kids third, and then live my life in alignment and agreement with this that God helps take care of the rest. Everything else in life can’t get a ranking higher than fourth!

How about you? What are your priorities? Are you living in alignment with what you say your priorities are? Have you gotten them right or are you dealing with the consequences? Firstly, are you living in alignment with the right priorities or are you now dealing with health issues? Secondly, are you living in alignment with the right priorities or are you dealing with marital issues? Thirdly, are you living in alignment with the right priorities or are you dealing with family issues? We need to decide that we are going to put first things first and do it God’s way! When we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness then He will help take care of the rest!

Today’s Verse of the Day:

Priorities that help cure anxiety

Let’s take a look at the context when this was spoken. Let’s review how this is a part of the message to cure anxiety:

‘ “Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life? And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. “

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’

Matthew 6:25-34

Priorities required to avoid anxiety:

Firstly, be the dads who are trusting God rather than allowing the lies of the devil to cause anxiety in our lives! Secondly, we need to be the dads who cast our cares on God because He cares for us! God’s desire is that we don’t worry or be anxious but instead put and keep our focus on Him! Thirdly, today’s verse of the day that it begins with BUT and that is because God knows what we need! Finally, let’s be the dads who first and most importantly seek, aim at, and strive after God’s kingdom and His righteousness in order to be doing things His way, the right way with His attitude and character! As we choose and pursue this, we don’t have to worry because we know that He will take care of the rest!

So how can we do it? How can we not allow worry, fear, or anxiety to get in the way of us living lives according to His plans for us to live life to the full? What are practical ways to apply today’s verse of the day towards living our lives in the abundance Jesus offers us?

Applications of how we can be the dads with the right priorities and making the right decisions:

• Trust in God’s provision: Understand that God cares for you and will provide for your needs. Trust His faithfulness in meeting your needs as you prioritize your family.
• Seek God first: Prioritize your relationship with God above all else. Spend time in prayer, meditation, and reading His Word daily.
• Practice gratitude: Cultivate a grateful heart by acknowledging and appreciating the blessings you have. Focus on the positives rather than dwelling on worries or fears.
• Plan and organize: Take practical steps to manage your responsibilities and obligations. Establish routines, set goals, and create to-do lists to help you stay organized and focused.
• Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Ensure you get enough rest, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Seek wise counsel: Surround yourself with mentors, friends, or fellow believers who can provide guidance and support in making important decisions. Seek their wisdom and perspective.
• Be present and engaged: Invest quality time with your family. Put away distractions, actively listen, and engage in meaningful conversations with your children and spouse.
• Teach and model faith: Share your faith with your children through both words and actions. Encourage them to trust in God’s provision and prioritize their relationship with Him.
• Manage financial resources wisely: Be a good steward of your finances. Budget wisely, save for the future, and avoid unnecessary debt. Teach your children about financial responsibility.
• Let go of control: Recognize that you can’t control everything. Surrender your worries and fears to God, knowing that He is in control. Trust His plans and timing for your life and your family.

Remember, living according to God’s plans requires consistent effort and a reliance on His guidance. By implementing these applications, you can strive to be a father with the right priorities and make decisions that align with God’s teachings and Matthew 6:25-34.