Misplaced Priorities?

June 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Misplaced Priorities

Several years ago a Christian ministry made a film challenging fathers to raise their children “for what matters in eternity.”* This should be the desire of both parents, but God placed the primary responsibility on the father as the head of the home (Eph. 5:22-25). In that role, the father, who must be following the Lord in his own life, should seek to cultivate a godly family, established and growing according to the instructions and principles found in God’s Word. By doing so, and through God’s mercies, the children will quite likely become men and women of God who focus their lives on Him.

Parents are pleased and somewhat proud when their son or daughter gets some special recognition. Many accomplishments in school, sports or work are worthy of excitement, but these things are only for this world. The spiritual aspects of life are far more important. They are eternal – lasting forever. What greater reward is there for parents than to see their children living for the Lord?

Dads and moms today seem so busy, taking their boy or girl here and there for various activities. In their proper place, some programs can be good. But when such things take the place of being with the Lord and in the Word of God, something has become very wrong.

God must be the priority in our lives personally and in our example before the children He has given to us. What good is it if your son is the best athlete but does not know the way of salvation? How many heavenly rewards may your daughter miss out on if she hasn’t been taught what God desires to see in her life? Dare we continue to allow our focus to be so misplaced, giving the things of this world a higher priority than the things of God? Sadly, so often this is what happens, especially in relation to our children – our most precious treasures in this life.

The Features this month are about the “Man Of God.” Reading the articles you will find some wonderful lessons about these special people. For fathers, I think you will discover many valuable points throughout the magazine to help you fix your priorities on Christ when it comes to your family. May He give courage, wisdom and strength to each one in their God-given responsibilities.

END NOTE
*“Courageous,” by Sherwood Pictures (2011), Albany, Georgia, USA.

By Paul Alberts