Living with Eternal Priorities: A Christian Worldview on Prioritization
Over my life, I’ve wrestled with the challenge of prioritization. It’s not that I want to choose the lesser things, but I often fail to pause long enough to invest in what truly matters. I rarely make time to reflect. I enjoy my activities. I like the work I do. I admit—I’m addicted to activity, and if I’m honest, I’m a little afraid of stopping the activity. Yet, I do know there are better activities awaiting. Activities like silence, solitude and being in the presence of Jesus.
So, as I step into this month’s theme, I do so with some conviction. Not condemnation, I’ve learned at 70 that a little guilt can send me in a good direction. I sense an invitation from God. Perhaps today is the best new day. Maybe it’s time for a small course correction—or even a big one.
Last month’s focus on discipleship stirred something in me. I’ve been especially impacted by John Mark Comer’s teaching: being a disciple of Jesus is about spending time with Him and letting Him saturate me in His love. That truth keeps echoing in my heart as does the idea of prioritizing God time!
And so maybe this is where prioritization begins: Intimacy rules. Knowing God is available and waiting for me, for you! Before I sort my schedule or refine my goals, I start with Jesus. He’s not a category—He is the core.
One Warning and One Promise
When we walk in relationship with God, we begin to see His presence in every corner of our lives—from the work world, to the breakfast table, spreadsheets to sport sidelines. As He transforms us, we recognize that our time, work, and relationships are sacred spaces—places where His Kingdom comes.
Here are five foundational areas where godly priorities can help men (including me) recognize and develop our God-given calling, while growing in mind, body, and spirit.
Five Foundations of Godly Prioritization
1. Intimacy with God — The Root of All Priorities
2. Stewarding Time Wisely — Living Alert in Every Season
3. Relational Focus — Cherishing the People God Entrusts to Us
4. Marketplace Calling — Working as Unto the Lord
5. Holistic Growth — Mind, Body, and Spirit Formation
These five areas aren’t checkboxes to master—they’re invitations to explore. Each one offers a way to realign my and your life with God’s heart and purpose. In the coming weeks, I encourage you to reflect on each of these areas individually. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where growth, healing, or change might be needed. The idea and the invitation are to place Jesus in the center “as we go.” Each of the 5 ideas are WITH Jesus opportunities. Below is a short thought on each to start your thinking.
Now that the foundation has been laid, let’s bring back a sobering but hopeful question from Jesus Himself:
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” — Matthew 16:26
Exploring the Five Foundations of Godly Prioritization
1. Intimacy with God: The Root of All Priorities
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
True prioritization starts with pursuing Jesus. Before we set goals or chase dreams, we must sit at His feet. Prayer, Scripture, worship, and solitude are not checklists—they are lifelines. This is about presence over performance. When we are saturated in His love, our perspective shifts. The noise of the world quiets down, and we find clarity in Him. The only way to make this a reality is by investing time. Time with Jesus. Time listening. Time asking. Time with the Master. The time you are given to steward ……
2. Stewarding Time Wisely: Living Alert in Every Season
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16
Time is one of the most sacred resources we’ve been entrusted with. Distractions are everywhere, and the enemy is subtle in his strategies. Choosing what is best over what is merely good takes discernment. Living alert means recognizing that rest and reflection are not laziness—they are obedience. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places. So should we. The reality here is that time is measurable. You can know who much time you spend with Jesus. What would it be like for you to take a survey? How about one week of charting? What might that reveal? Oh my!
3. Relational Focus: Cherishing the People God Entrusts to Us
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — John 13:34
God treasures people, and relationships are where our faith becomes tangible. Our families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors are not interruptions to our calling—they are part of it. Presence, listening, forgiveness, and intentional time are signs of a rightly ordered heart. It’s not about quantity of time, but quality of connection, and consistency of love. Here is another place that I am convicted and challenged. Do I hold time for those in need?
4. Marketplace Calling: Working as Unto the Lord
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
Work is worship. The office, job site, or business isn’t separate from our spiritual life—it’s a sacred space for kingdom impact. When we bring integrity, excellence, and compassion into our work, we reveal Christ. And as we go, we have opportunities to build bridges, form trust, and reflect God’s love. How do I prioritize my faith at work? Do I have the right thinking? Am I asking something from God or offering something to God?
5. Holistic Growth: Mind, Body, and Spirit Formation
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
We are all being formed all the time by what we allow “in”. How might I prioritize God in my formation? Growth doesn’t happen by accident. We’re called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. That includes caring for our minds through learning, our bodies through rest and stewardship, and our spirits through formation. Growth happens in the light—with God, and with others who walk alongside us.