Deceived Priorities; Living in Denial

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) 

Priorities Speak Louder

What do you spend the majority of your time, energy, and resources on? 

Family?, Work?, Bills?, Friends?, Health?, Ministry?.......

It’s common for people to state they value things like family, health, honesty, or faith—but then behave in ways that contradict those values. We are all guilty of hypocrisy!

Take a closer look. Denial is when we fail to see with open eyes and hearts!

Kingdom Seeking or Kingdom Hoping?

We may think we are seeking God and His kingdom, but there is little evidence that this is the true direction of our hearts or lives. We may believe we value it because we know it is important. But in practice, our time, energy, choices, and priorities don't truly reflect a life that wants more of God. 

Without evidence, we are merely speaking or hoping rather than aligning our lives with action that proves our words and beliefs are true.

If we have to include it on our "to-do" lists, then He is definitely not a priority, because He is the reason for everything. Relationships are not something to cross off at the end of the day in self-satisfaction. Our hearts are easily deceived and quick to justify our choices. We are living in denial and disconnection.

What are You Pursuing?

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; " (Psalm 63:1)

The desperation in this psalm is seriously missing in our relationship and desire for God.

The word "seek" means to search or to diligently hunt for something without stopping. The yearning desire expressed is a physical and emotional ache engaged in a wholehearted pursuit.

When I lose something important, it is hard to focus on anything else until it is found. If it is really valuable, our whole family are engaged in the search. The frustration levels rise when it takes time and effort to locate what is misplaced. The sense of urgency and immediate attention is a reminder of what we have actually lost.

The Wake Up Call: Don't miss the true value of who He is and who you are with Him!

Seeking Reveals our Intentions

Complacency in relationships is stagnation - a decline in effort, communication, and intimacy. Taking connection for granted means we have slid into a comfort-zone mentality. It indicates we are not fully committed, engaged, or faithful. We stop growing, longing, and investing and fail to see how far we have slipped.

Our priorities are the alarm bell.

If you aren't hearing it, then you will miss what is truly valuable!

Respond Questions

• In an honest evaluation - how am I spending the majority of my time, energy, and resources? 

  
  

• What does this reveal about my values, intentions and priorities?

  
  

• What evidence can I identify that I am seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness?