Hope in the Heartland
Harry or the deer?
Peabody Bible Church
A group of friends went hunting and paired off into twos for the day. That night one of the hunters returned to the campsite alone, staggering under the weight of an eight-point buck.
“Where’s Harry?” he was asked.
“Harry broke his ankle. He’s a couple miles back up the trail.”
The other hunters were shocked. “You left Harry by the side of the road and carried the deer back?”
“Well,” said the hunter, “I figured that no one was going to steal Harry.”
There are no more life-shaping decisions than the ones about priorities. What is most important? Why do you choose “this” over “that”? What belief structure caused a certain thing to become your top priority? How dedicated should you be to it?
If money is your top priority, then you will get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the lid. If personal pleasure guides you then you will adopt an “if it feels good, do it” lifestyle. The thirst for fame and recognition will tempt you to use people and things to reach the top. Power-lust causes a person to believe that the end justifies the means.
Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” He also said, “Seek first (God’s) kingdom and His righteousness.” The real question should be, “What does God want me to go after with all my heart?”
Is God pleased with your priorities? Do you want Him to be?