being intentional with our priorities.

At the beginning of January, many of us set goals or select words or make resolutions. By the beginning of February, we're either solidly on track, or disappointed with ourselves. God's Word is clear - without vision, people perish (Prov. 29:18). I begin each month, week, and even day, by reviewing my goals, and planning actionable steps to meet them. But today, I want to address the importance of making sure our plans do not replace our priorities.

As children of God, our first priority is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and flesh. (Mark 12:30) It is easy to get caught up in the emotions we associate with love, but God's Word is also clear about what truly loving God looks like:

​Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.
                                                                         - 1 John 5:3

So what are God's commandments, that our love for Him is shown through keeping?

Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”
Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
​                                                                        - Mark 12:28-31

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Ephesians Prayer Printable

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​This, friends, is where it's at. It's so simple, that I think sometimes we forget how critical it is. Before our goals, dreams, plans --- we MUST prioritize loving God. And since loving God is manifested in our obedience to Him (out of the overflow of love, NOT out of legalism), our second priority must be loving people.

People over projects always. Yes, there are things we have to accomplish: some magnificent, some mundane. But when we embrace those projects as ways to love people, our motives and attitudes align with God's perfect plan for our lives.

As a work-at-home, homeschooling mom of 6 very active little ones, I understand busy. My to-do lists are never quite done, and I am keenly aware of areas I need to improve. It is easy to get caught up in getting things done, instead of loving well.

Every day - really, every moment - we are given the opportunity to choose our why. Is it just to be 'done' with something? Or because what we're doing can be a blessing to someone else? Is our motive selfish ambition, or is it to bring Him glory?

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
​                                                                             - Colossians 3:17

​Being intentional with our priorities is critical, because at it's root, it's keeping our heart and motives in check. It's bringing everything to the light of Christ, to ensure it's pleasing to Him.

What areas do you need to focus more on the right priorities than your current plans? How can focusing on loving people well through projects change your motive and attitude? Are there guards you have in place to protect the priorities of loving God and loving people?