Avoid Discouraging Situations By Getting Priorities In Order

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. You are laying a foundation upon which you will build. It is usually difficult to change foundation material once the superstructure goes up. Seek first the Kingdom of God. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Work, sports, entertainment, and recreation should came after your spiritual priority of seeking the kingdom.

Establish high standards of moral conduct. Never put yourself in harm’s way.Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Never give a gossip a lever. Nothing could discourage one more than having to fight to rebuild a tarnished reputation, earned or otherwise.

Avoid materialism. “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).” David came close to losing his soul because he lingered too long looking at the prosperity of the wicked. “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped” (Psalms 73:2).

A rock-solid priority is contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Take care of your priorities; the smaller things will fit in.

Gary Dull