PRIORITIES: FAITH, FAMILY, SELF, AND WORK.

?"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." — Stephen Covey

?Work often takes all of our time.? Leaving the leftovers for other important parts of our life.?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Work is important.? It puts food on the table and a roof over our heads and all.? And it may seem overwhelming at times, demanding all of our time and energy.

Even as a Pastor, I often found myself getting home late at night after meetings at the church, missing seeing my two sons all day.? There were periods in which I rarely exercised.? As a Pastor, I sort of was regular about the faith thing, but sometimes even that was not very deep, as busy as I was.

You and I often find ourselves pulled in multiple directions, trying to meet the expectations of others and missing what truly matters. But when we set clear priorities, rooted in our values, we can create an intentional rhythm that allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH

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

I do believe faith is the cornerstone that anchors our lives.

For those of us who are faith-driven, our faith gives us a sense of purpose and direction, reminding us of what truly matters. When we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else can fall into place.

This doesn’t mean that life becomes easy, but it does mean that we approach each day with a sense of peace and trust that God is guiding our steps.

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FAMILY:? THE HEART OF OUR LIVES

Our families are our greatest earthly blessings. They provide love, support, and a sense of belonging. ?

Now, some of us don’t have organic families.? We can find friends, create deep relationships of support and care, though.? We can make ourselves a family if we are separated, single, or without children.?

We are made for relationships.

Yet, with daily life’s hustle, it’s easy to go through life alone or take our families for granted. Setting aside intentional time to connect with our loved ones is crucial. This could mean a weekly family dinner, a walk with your spouse, or simply being present during your children’s activities.

Again, if we don’t have organic families, we can prioritize time spent with a family of our own making.

Joe missed his daughter’s chess tournament again recently.? This can happen when things are out of his control, which happens.? This was just poor planning and execution.? He felt bad.? His daughter was deeply disappointed.

It is hard to find enough time for everything. Some things will slide every so often. But with a little reflection and anticipation, we can get our priorities right most of the time. Wouldn’t you agree?

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A STORY:? MARY, MARTHA, AND THE QUESTION OF PRIORITIES

Consider the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10.

Martha was busy with the tasks of hospitality, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings. When Martha expressed her frustration, Jesus gently reminded her that Mary had chosen the "better part"—to focus on what truly mattered at that moment.

Martha chose work.? It seems Jesus gets on her case about this.

This story teaches us a valuable lesson: while work and responsibilities are important, we must not neglect the time spent in fellowship, both with God and our loved ones.

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TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

?"You can’t pour from an empty cup.”? -- unknown

?Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. To give our best to others—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities—we must first take care of ourselves.

This means nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Whether it’s through prayer, exercise, reading, or simply resting, investing in yourself ensures that you have the strength and energy to serve others effectively.

Are you blocking out time for yourself, not selfishly, but strategically?

I have many friends who say they can’t find the time.? I know others who make this a priority.? One told me the other day he looks forward to being in good shape to play ball with his grandchildren one day.? His daughter is 7 right now.? He chooses to get up early and start the day at the fitness center.

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INTEGRATING WORK WITH LIFE

Work is an essential part of our lives, but it should not define us. Instead, work should be integrated into a balanced life where it complements our faith, family, and self-care.

When we view our work as a calling rather than just a job, it becomes an opportunity to serve others and glorify God. ?We can take care of our families, not just with the dollars.

A balanced life doesn’t happen by accident.

It requires intentionality and discipline. As Stephen Covey wisely noted, it’s about scheduling our priorities—putting first things first—so that we live each day with purpose and peace.

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CONCLUSION

Setting priorities in life is not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

By keeping our faith at the center, nurturing our families, taking care of ourselves, and integrating work into this framework, we create a life that is fulfilling and aligned with our values. As we journey through life, let’s remember the lesson of Martha and Mary and choose the better part—focusing on what truly matters.

May we all find the balance that brings joy, peace, and purpose to our lives.