Have you ever wondered why some days you are fulfilled and some days you feel like you didn’t get anything accomplished?  You can be very busy returning phone calls, emails, text, accomplishing deadlines, or cleaning the house and you’re still missing something.  Most of the time this is the result of doing what is a pressure in life as opposed to what is important.  

Jesus knew how to act on a matter because of God’s claim on His life which had precedent over all human urgencies.  He met with a Samaritan woman at the well.  Samaritans were half-breeds and forbidden by the Jewish culture.  Jesus made her an important priority and told her about Living Water (Salvation).  He held children on his lap and said, “I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 18:3 NLT).  The Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament told us about five priorities found in Eph. 5:17-6:10.

First, he talked about building our Spiritual Lives when he said, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debaucher, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).  Second, he talked about developing a meaningful marriage based on mutual submission in Eph. 5:21-31.  We talked about these two in the last two Wednesday.

The third priority is found in Eph. 6:1-4, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”  Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”  It is important to the Lord that we build a close-knit family.  In this busy world how do we do this?

• Make sure you and your spouse date once a week and spend at least 1-2 hours a day talking.  These times are usually split up during the day.
• Design a Family Night once a week where you play games, take a bike ride, walk, go to the State Fair…any family activity will depend on the age of children.
• Go to your children’s events like Christmas Programs, sporting events, concerts, and plays.
• Spend regular time talking with your children and discovering their world.
• As your children grow up and have children of their own, be a part of their world.  On Memorial Day we had our family over, played games like kickball, ate together, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Next Wednesday I will complete this little study with the last two priorities.  In the meantime, spend time with God, your spouse, and your family.  Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we open for the first time since Covid-19!