a) “Prior” taking precedence (as in importance).
b) “Priority”= precedence in rank, time or place. (Webster’s Compact Dictionary)
--Exists a close relationship between these two words: Priorities and Responsibility
--In the opposite side is the --Procrastination-- “The killer of dreams”
Ephesians 5:15-17 "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (NIV)
A responsible person is going to live according to its priorities. That kind of person is the one who will be living a well balanced life, a healthy life.
In the other side, the person who ignores and lives a life of procrastination soon or late will reap a life full of problems.
JESUS EXAMPLE: John 17:4
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. (NIV)
Few years ago Alfredo Valdez a friend from Monterrey, MX sent me an email with a story that later I used as an illustration in one of my sermons in the Spanish Service. A story that I would like to share with all of you. When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, maybe this will be helpful for you as has been for me:
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. He picked up a very large and empty jar and filled it with golf balls. He asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor then picked up a box of marbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and the marbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous, “YES!”
The professor then produced 2 cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
As the laughter subsided, the professor said, “Now, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life:
- 'You must understand that this bottle represents the LIFE:
a) The golf balls are the important things. (GOD, Family, Friends, and Things that get passionate to you…like Ministry)
b) The marbles are the other things that matter (work, vehicle, house…)
c) The sand is all the others, the small things (sports, hobbies, etc)
If you put the sand into the jar first:
- there will be no room for the golf balls.
- there will be no room for the marbles.
The same goes for LIFE:
- If you spend all of your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are very important.
CONCLUSION
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your purpose in LIFE:
- Play with your children.
- Spend time with your parents.
- Visit your grandparents.
- Take time to get medical checkups.
- Take your spouse out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter.
Set your priorities… The rest?...
the rest is just sand.
Plus AN EXTRA LESSON:
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled and said,-- “I’m glad you asked. The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.
Blessings!!!
JCastro
