Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
That's what they say, when these things are brought up. Everyone says their priorities are 1) God, 2) family, 3) church. But what does that really mean? In what real-life way would someone put God first, ahead of family? If one is a pastor, wouldn't it mean putting his pastoral duties ahead of his family's needs, at least to some extent? I mean, his pastoral duties are for God, right? If one is not a pastor, might one go out on the street witnessing to people, rather than work to put food on the table? OK, that was silly. Or was it? Well, give me a non-silly example, someone?
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O.K. - time for my 2-cents. First, there is a HUGE difference between what a person DOES for God and their RELATIONSHIP with God. While I agree that to have a relationship will lead to a ministry, it is very possible to allow your ministry to take the place of your relationship - which is extremely dangerous. It often leads to burn out, which can eventually lead to being backslid. I know this because I have lived it, and I have seen other ministers and even pastors burn out and give up. That is why balance is so important. Living on the fringe, or fanatical on anything usually does more harm than good. We already have alot of Christians that know how to be a freak for Jesus, but can't hear his voice or get close enough to worship him. At any rate....
God first, you asked how does a person do it? Simply, all that you do, you do it as unto the Lord - in relationships with family, husband to wife, vice versa, children, neighbors, etc., etc. It is interesting how that people love to mis-interpret the Lords instruction when he made mention that anyone who loves Mother, Father, Wife, etc. more then me is not worthy. If you do some digging and some study, you will find that what He meant was that if you would choose these people over Him.
It would be complete contradiction for the Lord to mean that literally as it is interpreted in the english - after all, He did say for husbands to love your wives as Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it. He also said, 'When you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me. There is SOOOO much that can be said about putting the Lord first - nad many lessons that could be taught about it - sadly, I am at work and without my Bible, so i'm not much use in that department right now.
Yes we need private devotions, reading, study, worship, prayer, fasting, etc. But in all we do in life, He is either exalted or not. Our relationship to Him should be so innertwined, that it is a part of all me do (Sort of like men ought always to pray) Is the work of the ministry important? Yes. Do we need it, absolutely! But I decided long ago that I would never put the "work" above my relationship to Jesus or to my family. I am a firm believer that if you can't manage your own home, you have no business trying to take care of the church.
At any rate...i apologize for the lack of scripture reference...at work right now.
Love you all!
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