Establishing Priorities

Thursday, October 3, 2013
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen"1 (Lyrics)

When my career in education (now in its fifty-first year) began to move towards administration, I enrolled in a course called "In the Vice-Principal's Chair". It was an event on Thursday evening and all day Friday.

On Thursday evening, the course outline was presented, and I was told that I was to be present at 8:00 a.m. the next morning, and I was to find my place at a table, where there would be a brown manila envelope with my name on it. I was to open the package and sort the contents into four piles: one was to be "Do Now" and included items of great urgency. The second was to be "Do Today" which included items of importance, but not "urgency" — I could fit them in. The third was to be "Do This Week" and included somewhat routine items that could wait awhile. The fourth was "Delegate or Eliminate" and these were items that I did not have to deal with personally.

I was well on my way through the task, when suddenly, a very distraught youth with a very bloody nose (fake) ran into the room and yelled, "There's a big fight in the yard!" We were told to outline how we would respond. Predictably, some reacted poorly, and the "situation" worsened. Some over-reacted and got themselves into awkward situations. The whole day continued in that vein. It was a very interesting and challenging experience in establishing priorities.

Thinking back to when I asked Jesus to become my Saviour and walk with me through life, likewise, I suddenly found that I had many new choices to make and priorities to establish, and very little experience in how to make them. I needed a lot of help, which was always there.

Matthew 6:33 – [Jesus said,] "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (KJV)

For example, when I wanted to become an administrator, I first had to prayerfully consider if this were where Jesus wanted me to go. Once I was assured that it was, there was much prioritizing and planning that we had to do.

John 6:45 – [Jesus said,] "It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." (KJV)

If you already know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, ask for wisdom, and He will hear you and respond. If you do not yet know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, would you please consider asking Him now? You will never regret it!

Prayer: Lord, help those who are seeking You to find You, and grant to those, who have already become Your servants, wisdom to continue to serve You. Amen.

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About the author:

Rob Paxton <robertgpaxton@sympatico.ca>
Little Current, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank you!


    A good word Rob.


    Dear Rob,
    Yes well, it is always good to know what the most important things in life are!
    Blessings.


    Dear Rob,
    I really enjoy your story “Establishing Priorities”.
    Thank you.


    Dear Robert. Today I truly was blessed and encouraged by your message at a time when I was really down and ready to question God’s purpose.
    Thank you. You are used of the Lord.
    (South Africa)


    Dear Rob,
    This was an excellent devotional. I’m going to pass it along to my daughter – she’s a special education teacher and I know she will appreciate your message.
    Thank you for sharing and please write again soon.
    Blessings.


    Thank you Rob. GREAT to see one from you!


    Hey Rob, I read your devotional. It is always insightful/inspirational to read the stories that go with the scripture. I have learned a little bit more about my good friend.
    Praying that your day is a blessed one.


    Dear Rob;
    Thank you for the wonderful words.

 



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