It seems no matter how hard we try, we never have enough time to do everything we want and need to do. In all of history, we’ve never had more options about how to spend our time than we do today. With all the options comes a sort of paralysis. It’s too much. I recently heard a psychologist state anxiety results from too many options and too many images.
We get anxious because the things of this world overstimulate us with possibilities. Satan is clever, and we can’t ignore the brilliance of his strategy. By overwhelming our senses, we experience stress, which hinders our decision-making processes. We must have a strategy to combat the overwhelming options in our world. We must learn to prioritize Jesus in advance so we can defend against the onslaught of possibilities.
God has created a world filled with wonder and beauty. Even in its fallen state, it is difficult to escape the magnificence of His creation. Beyond the physical beauty of nature, marvels of technology, innovation, and advancement surround us. While many of these things have left a negative impact on culture, there is no denying the comfort and convenience they afford us. In the West, we live in the wealthiest and most free societies the world has ever known. There is no lack of diversion and distraction in which we can indulge.
Given all this, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant flow of choices to the point we no longer choose anything but simply ride the wave. Here is the problem: In all of this, Jesus is usually forgotten. Even for those who profess Christ as Lord, we see little difference in their lives and the lives of those who don’t know Him as Savior. The typical Christian does not prioritize Jesus because they are too caught up in the things of this world.
Each of us is in danger of falling into this trap. Unless we intentionally prioritize Jesus, He will be forgotten. If that happens, I fear we will be lost. Jesus said, if we love Him, we will do what He instructs us to do (John 14:15). John tells us if we love the things of this world, the love of God is not in us (1 John 2:15). Jesus also said many would come to Him claiming to know Him, but He would turn them away (Matthew 7:21-24). We cannot brush off these verses because they are uncomfortable or inconvenient. They are the very words of God and therefore are irrefutable truth.
Everyone prioritizes something in their life. If Jesus is not the priority in our life, we will not experience eternal life in Heaven but will spend it in Hell. You can only have one priority. Only one thing can be the most important. For the Christian, this means there is Jesus and nothing else. All the options afforded to us don’t matter. If they are not of Christ, we must not indulge them. Won’t this lead to a boring life? If you ask that, you’ve never tasted of the majesty and fullness of Jesus. A life focused solely on Jesus is and will be the most amazing life any of us can live.
Prioritize Jesus and let the pleasures of this world pass on by. We need nothing but the beautiful Son of God who gave His life so we might live. Only Jesus can satisfy your deepest needs and desires. All else is an illusion. Rise above the distraction and the deluge of options. Prioritize Jesus. Live every day for Him and nothing else. In this way, He will welcome you into His Kingdom where we will spend eternity with Him, worshipping the only One worthy of our praise and devotion.