Perceptions #200114

"Priorities"

by Norman Bales

I guess you could say I subscribe to the Zig Ziglar theory of Biblical inspiration. Ziglar says, "I believe the whole thing from Genesis to maps." Nevertheless, I'm not convinced that all Biblical truth carries the same weight.

I believe the scribes, linguists and translators have accurately transmitted Biblical data concerning doctrines, places, historical events and names of Biblical characters who were real people -even those Old Testament characters with unpronounceable names. On the other hand, it's a whole lot more important to know how to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind than it is to be able to pronounce Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. It's more important to love your neighbor as yourself than it is to line up with popular thinking on controversial issues.

It's all a matter of priorities. Jesus accused the Pharisees of neglecting "the more important matters of the law --justice, mercy, faithfulness" (Matthew 23:24). We do the same thing when we devote so much energy to protecting our favorite traditions, while neglecting our relationship with the Savior.

This all came into focus for me some time ago, when I learned about the death of a man whom I had known a long time ago. I'm ten years older than he was. His sudden death jarred me into realizing how much we take the gift of life for granted. We've all got to face up to the fact that we are mortal. In my case, the handwriting is on the wall. I'm somewhere in the afternoon (if not the evening).

I found myself taking a backward glance over my shoulder at the priorities I've chosen. I didn't like everything I saw. I have devoted too much energy and spent too much time promoting causes that were minimally important, fighting battles that most of the world cares very little about, and preaching sermons on peripheral concerns.

I want to spend whatever time I have remaining on this earth dealing with high priority matters. These include Christ-like living, developing an awareness of God's holiness, maintaining quality relationships among people, healing wounds among divided people, getting a better handle on my prayer life and preparing for an eternity with the Father. I'm sure the list could be expanded, but these are important matters. They need the attention of every child of God.

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