I used to think life could be compartmentalized into neat little boxes. That I could sum up my being into several aspects, and it was merely a matter of prioritizing.
For me, life could be summed up as follows:
1. God
2. Family and loved ones
3. Career
4. Friends
5. Leisure (other interests)
It was simple. The lines were so clearly drawn, that I could easily sacrifice one for the sake of another, as long as they were more important according to my list. I could pat myself in the back for being so noble as to put God first. I could give up a couple of hours of family time if it meant I could serve God by helping out in the church more often. Or I could pass up some night outs with friends if it meant I could further my professional life even more.
I would get tired of straining and pushing myself, but I thought it was worth it.
I don’t believe in this anymore.
Why put God first… when He is already present in every aspect of my life? In my relationships, He is the LOVE that conquers all. In my career direction, He is the WISDOM that guides me. In my times of rest and leisure, He is the JOY and PEACE that comforts me.
He is in every single thing that I am and I do.
He puts everything in order such that nothing is neglected, nothing is missed out. Nothing is sacrificed at the expense of another.
God’s wisdom, after all, is so much greater than my own.
God is not a part of life that must be prioritized. He is not a mere slice in the pie chart that is the schedule of my life. He GAVE me the entire pie and has promised to be with me in every slice.
Everything I have is a gift from Him and He is not asking me to give Him anything back. He is not waiting for me to make the first move before He makes His. His blessing me is not dependent on how my performance, on how good I am. He has already moved. He has already given me everything. There are no rules to follow, no constant looking-over-my-shoulder just to make sure I am doing the right thing. No how-tos, no dos-and-donts.
He only wants me to RECEIVE freely. To simply be LED by His Spirit.
This just makes me love Him all the more – because He first loved me.
Jesus has already paid for everything.
There is no prioritization needed. There is only Jesus.
So, what does your list look like? Are you having difficulty maintaining a balance and prioritizing it all? Is it tough juggling all the separate parts of your life that demand some level of attention?
Relax. Breathe. And remember.
With Jesus, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL – whole, complete, nothing missing, nothing broken.