Priority One
From a very early age, we’ve been taught the importance of setting priorities, which is a learning process that serves us well into adulthood. As children, our parents insisted that we clean our rooms before we could play outside. As teenagers, homework had to be completed before we were permitted to go to the mall. As adults, chances are that we have many priorities that are important to us. On your own list of priorities, you may have things such as earning a promotion, getting a new car or boat, moving into a bigger house, or getting your hands on the newest tech toys.
Are you sensing a pattern?
If your list of priorities mirrors the one above, it may be time to rethink the things that are most important to you. While earning a promotion, buying creature comforts and fulfilling your desire for new toys may temporarily put a smile on your face, they don’t quite encompass the big picture. Possessions and money can easily become gods to many of us.
Looking at a Catholic perspective on finances, money is simply a tool and the possessions it buys us will not last forever. Do a quick check of what is important to you. What is your number one priority? Is God at the very top of the list? If not, your priorities need to be re-adjusted. Don’t let earthly things become your god.
The purpose of prioritization is to put an emphasis on the things that will help us lead fuller, more enriched lives with God as our number one priority. This is the only way we can fulfill the unique purpose God has for each of us.
During this Easter season, look at your priorities in light of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Colossians 3:2 tells us to “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” By placing God first, all other areas of our lives fall neatly into place. In adopting a Catholic perspective on finances the importance of money and possessions diminishes and you will be rewarded by a fuller, happier life with a feeling of peace and contentment.
It is easy to fall into the trap of our worldly society and think that possessions and money are the ultimate measure of your success, but true happiness and peace can only be attained by having God as our number one priority.
During this Easter season, there are seven weeks until Pentecost Sunday. Spend this time in prayer and reflection on your priorities by talk with Jesus daily. Focus on your relationship with Jesus by making him your number one priority.
May God’s blessings be with you.
