The Biblical Priorities of Christian life

           By Blackson Makhumba B
Many husbands have lost their sense of responsibility when it comes to priorities of life. Some have placed emphasis on their work or ministry while forgetting their responsibilities for their homes. I have witnessed many cases where a wife files for a divorce because the husband is always on duty, not having time together with the family. This is especially common among ministers of the gospel, both internationally renowned and local ministers.

A. What are the Biblical priorities of Christian life?

1. God
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). God must have the first place in the life of every Christian. God is the Creator of us; as such He is the beginning of everything in our lives. Nothing should distract you from loving God with all your heart and everything within you. For example, I cannot abandon God because my wife or my job demand I should.

2. Family
The family is twofold – parents (husband and wife) and children.  These two do not receive the same priority. The priority is first to be given to the marriage partner. “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her." (Ephe.5:22, 25)

i.    God first initiated and constituted the marriage before he could bless the couple to have children.
ii.    However, children are more important over any other priority. There are many fathers who give more attention to relatives and friend than to their children.
iii.    Many pastors do this in the name of doing the work of God. But the Bible says in  1 Timothy 3:4-5 that the  true leader or  overseer must be  the one that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity.

3. Church
"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

The communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a means of commitment and perseverance. Believers are to consider how they can be of service to each other, especially stirring up each other to the more vigorous and abundant exercise of love, and the practice of good works.

4. Work/ Ministry
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Colossians 3:17, 23-24.

5. Relatives and Friends
Honestly, when a man and woman are marrying, they are separated from their respective family cultures (Gen.2:24). At the same time they all inherit a totally new set of family members. Each one of them enters a close connection with spouse’s relatives and friends. Most times, these bring problems in the home.
•    Husband and wife must understand that these parents, relatives and friends are not the head of our family, and they are not to make decisions for us (Eph 5:22-25).
•    They may make suggestions or give us biblical instructions or even rebuke us, but certainly not to make decisions for us.

B. Consequences for failing to live by these Priorities

1. The person may end up making wrong priorities
Having wrong priorities will open for false gods to rule over one’s life. These include things like:
a)    Selfish ambitions
b)    Desire for materialistic Possessions"
c)    Position (social status)
d)    Power and influence
e)    Success in life
f)    Worldly Pleasure
g)    Bitterness from failure

2. The Person will make poor decisions
Jerry L. Clark explains this failure by illustration of Pilate in John 18:37-38 in that Pontius Pilate reveals the "priorities" of his life. His "god" was his work -- above all else, he wanted to succeed as a soldier, to have Rome’s approval. In the process, he did not hear the warnings of his wife, Matt. 27:19. He was "blind" to the issues of eternity.

3. It allows spiritual deception to enter into and to influence the family
Usually, what parents love is what the children will love too. I have discovered recently that our children hate violent movies, and love to watch African Epic movies or cartoons we like watching.