FROM THE PASTOR

“The Great Priority”

Establishing priorities and maintaining them is an ongoing challenge.  In recent weeks I’ve personally had to lay aside some things in order to focus on pressing matters.  Priorities can be compelled upon us.  A loved one is sick, someone dies, loses a job or goes through a divorce and our world is reordered. 

At other times we’ve simply lost sight of true priorities.  In this case we have to reestablish a pattern of life and disposition of spirit which reflects what is most important in our lives.  Dave Hirschman offers several principles he calls “The Priority of God” based on Romans 14:1-12: 

Priority is determined by the importance we place on something. What priority does God have in our lives?  God cannot be a priority in our lives, He demands to be the priority!

1.  If God will be the priority in your life, then you can expect that He is determined to influence every area of your life (vv. 7, 8).  Under His influence, His design, His desire, and His direction become most important in your life.

2. If God will be the priority in your life, then you can expect that He will demand the submission of all other areas (v. 9). Submission accepts everything else as secondary, God’s continuing evaluation, and God remaining as the priority. 

3. If God will be the priority in your life, then you can expect that He will diminish the importance of every other area (v. 10). When priorities and perspectives change, true value is discovered, prized, and pursued. 

4. If God will be the priority in your life, then you can expect that He will become the only thing that you cannot do without (v. 11).

A pressing priority for me has been the completion of my dissertation for Erskine Seminary.  I’m nearing the end of the process!  Thanks for your prayers and patience.  Remember, amid life’s demands “Keep first things first”       Matthew 6:33

Your Pastor,

Stan Littleton

Stan Littleton, his lovely wife Darlene and daughter Sabrinia.