We’ve all had moments when we realize time has slipped by in pursuits that may not truly benefit us. Recently, I found myself engrossed in a TV show. Episode after episode, hours passed, and I realized those hours could have been invested in something more meaningful. It made me stop and think about priorities—how often do we let short-term pleasure outweigh long-term purpose? Scripture offers wisdom on this, reminding us to align our time and actions with God’s will.
The Bible emphasizes seeking God first in all things: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, ESV). This verse is a call to prioritize God above all, trusting that He will provide for our needs. By keeping Him as our focus, we’re less likely to be distracted by pursuits that don’t serve His purposes.
Furthermore, Proverbs 4:25-27 encourages us to stay focused on what truly matters: “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you…do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” Setting boundaries around our time and energy helps us stay on the path toward God’s calling for us. When we allow minor distractions to rule, we risk missing out on opportunities for spiritual growth.
Ephesians 5:15-16 also reminds us to be wise with our time: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” When we prioritize wisely, we honor God and use our limited time for greater good.
Lastly, Colossians 3:2 challenges us to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” As we prioritize, we should aim for a life that reflects our faith and draws us closer to God.
Let’s take a moment today to assess our commitments. Are they leading us to God, or distracting us from Him? By choosing intentional, faith-filled priorities, we can live a life that honors God and fulfills our purpose.