First things first!!

The first time I heard this saying “First things first” was from my Mom who kept drilling that into my brain during my school and college days. Whenever she knew I was messing up with my time and priorities she would simply say “Stella, what did I teach you? Always remember, first things first.” Ever since then, that simple but powerful principle continued to be the guideline to manage my time and priorities rightly. I opine that if once our priorities are set right, then our time will follow to be managed rightly.

For me my priorities have always been based on two different objectives. One is need based priorities and the second is my time based priorities. When time is not a factor for me, like say during my vacations and other leisure times I would set my priorities based on my need or sometimes others needs. But when studying at college or while working, it has to be a good combination of both need and time because as we all know time does play a crucial role. Jesus, who knew we are anxious beings and tend to fumble with our lives by mixing up our priorities, says in one of his very first disclosures “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”- Matt 6:33. But interestingly man in his carnality still continues to seek the fleshly things first. “And He(Jesus) said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father."“Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home."- Luke 9:59,61. Even Peter was reprimanded when he was lost in his worldly wisdom and forbid Jesus from suffering. His priority was man and not God. “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.” - Matt 16:23.

I have always observed a sense of urgency in Christ teachings especially because he knew that he had very less time left on the earth “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”- Matt 26:18 and he also knew his focus and his priority was doing the Father’s will. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” – John 6:38. Jesus understood beyond doubt what was needed of him and the importance of the time that was left with him. It was a perfect blend of time and need.

So as we are called to be imitators of Christ, I think it is essential for us to reflect on what are those “First” things in our lives and if they are truly in deed coming “First”. If they are not, then we have a problem and I think there can be no better judge of your situation, no better manager of your time and priority that You. It has always been a challenge for me to break my fast moving busy life and say “Hey, wait a second are the first things coming first?” Putting it another way, “Are we asking God to wait at any point in our lives?”

“Who comes first and what comes first? What is my priority and how do I manage the time I have?” It is for you to decide. Because in the end, it all boils down to- “What do I need and what does God need from me? Where is my heart and what am I called to do?”

“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds”- Jer 17-9-10.