PRIORITIZING GOD OVER OUR DAILY DECISIONS

One effective way to prioritize God in our daily lives is by carefully filtering our thoughts and decisions through the teachings found in the Bible. We need to allow the Bible to guide our choices and actions. For example, we can ask ourselves this question: Is what I am about to do aligned with God's truth? If what I am about to do does not align with God's truth, then I will not do it. However, if it aligns with God's truth, then I will go ahead and do it. If we always find ourselves doing things that are not pleasing to God, more than likely, we are not thinking and allowing our feelings to dictate what we do. The way our brain functions is that it relies on mental shortcuts developed from past experiences. For example, if we drive on the same road every day to go to work, we will drive to our work without actively thinking about where to turn. Our brain automatically knows what to do and where to go, and our body follows. Our brain also follows our feelings, and if we do not slow down to think, our brain will automatically follow our feelings. We will end up doing the same wrong things that we often do.

Our brain needs to be rewired by immersing ourselves in God's Word to think differently. We need God's Word to help us evaluate our priorities, relationships, and challenges, ensuring that our lives align with God's principles and values. Romans 12:2 says, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." It is a process to think differently because our brain needs to learn a new way of living. But the Holy Spirit will help us through the process by always prompting our hearts to spend time with God through His Word. The only way to renew the way we think is through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

The only way to live a godly life and know God's will is to prioritize God in every area of our lives. It is all worth it to live a godly life because Jesus said, "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash (Matthew 7:24-27)."

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why is it important to live a godly life? How do I live a godly life? What must happen to the way I think in order for me to live a godly life?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please help me to prioritize you in my life so that I can live a godly life and know your will. Please help me to think and filter through everything in my mind through your Word before I commit to doing things. Please do not let my emotions guide me, but your truth. Thank you for your continued work in renewing my mind. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.