We live in a world that worships at the altar of "busy." We schedule our lives down to the minute, often leaving the most vital parts of our existence for the gaps in between. But when it comes to our spiritual lives, there is a dangerous trap we often fall into: the trap of convenience.
If we are serving God only when it’s convenient, then we’re settling for second best. It is easy to be faithful when the sun is shining and our schedules are clear. However, true discipleship isn't a hobby for our spare time; it’s a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (emphasis mine)
Getting Your Priorities Right
True fulfillment doesn’t come from fitting God into our spare time; it comes from building our time around God. How much better it is to make time for the things of God—to put them above everything else. When we shift our perspective, we realize that everything else in our lives—our careers, our families, and our personal goals—actually functions better when they are aligned with a higher purpose.
Jesus shared the divine blueprint for an ordered life.
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
How much better it is to get your priorities right than to spend our days worrying about the "everything else" while neglecting the One who provides it all.
No More Excuses
We are all experts at rationalization. We tell ourselves we’ll pray more when work slows down or dive into scripture when the seasons change. But the truth is, instead of making excuses, we must make time for the Lord. Consider the story of Mary and Martha.
Luke 10:38-42 NIV [38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (emphasis mine)
Martha was distracted by many things, but Jesus noted that Mary had chosen what was "better."
We are often busy with "good" things at the expense of the "best" thing. We must be intentional with our days.
Ephesians 5:15-20 NIV [15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (emphasis mine)
The Best Way to Live
There is an amazing peace that comes with a "God-first" hierarchy. It’s not only the simple way to live, but it’s also the best way. By removing the constant negotiation of where God fits into our day, we clear the mental and spiritual clutter that weighs us down.
Today, stop settling for a "second-best" faith. Realign your calendar, silence the excuses, and experience the clarity of a life rightly ordered.
If we are serving God only when it’s convenient, then we’re settling for second best. It is easy to be faithful when the sun is shining and our schedules are clear. However, true discipleship isn't a hobby for our spare time; it’s a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (emphasis mine)
Getting Your Priorities Right
True fulfillment doesn’t come from fitting God into our spare time; it comes from building our time around God. How much better it is to make time for the things of God—to put them above everything else. When we shift our perspective, we realize that everything else in our lives—our careers, our families, and our personal goals—actually functions better when they are aligned with a higher purpose.
Jesus shared the divine blueprint for an ordered life.
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
How much better it is to get your priorities right than to spend our days worrying about the "everything else" while neglecting the One who provides it all.
No More Excuses
We are all experts at rationalization. We tell ourselves we’ll pray more when work slows down or dive into scripture when the seasons change. But the truth is, instead of making excuses, we must make time for the Lord. Consider the story of Mary and Martha.
Luke 10:38-42 NIV [38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (emphasis mine)
Martha was distracted by many things, but Jesus noted that Mary had chosen what was "better."
We are often busy with "good" things at the expense of the "best" thing. We must be intentional with our days.
Ephesians 5:15-20 NIV [15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (emphasis mine)
The Best Way to Live
There is an amazing peace that comes with a "God-first" hierarchy. It’s not only the simple way to live, but it’s also the best way. By removing the constant negotiation of where God fits into our day, we clear the mental and spiritual clutter that weighs us down.
Today, stop settling for a "second-best" faith. Realign your calendar, silence the excuses, and experience the clarity of a life rightly ordered.
The Priority Audit: Evaluating Your Spiritual Foundation
It’s easy to talk about putting God first, but it’s harder to see where we might be slipping into "convenience-based faith" without a little self-reflection. Use this quick checklist to audit your current routine and see where you can trade "second best" for God’s best.
This audit isn't about guilt; it’s about clarity. Setting your heart on things above isn't a 'one-and-done' task; it’s an ongoing commitment to clearing away the clutter so God has the space to move and lead.
It’s easy to talk about putting God first, but it’s harder to see where we might be slipping into "convenience-based faith" without a little self-reflection. Use this quick checklist to audit your current routine and see where you can trade "second best" for God’s best.
- The "First Fruits" Check: When I look at my daily calendar, does God get my "prime time" (when I am most alert and focused), or does He get the "leftovers" at the very end of a long day?
- The "Excuse" Inventory: What is the most common reason I give for skipping prayer or scripture study? Is that reason a legitimate emergency, or is it a habit of convenience?
- The "First Resort" Reflection: When I face a challenge or a big decision, is my first instinct to pray, or do I exhaust all other options before finally turning to the Lord?
- The "Holy No" Test: Am I willing to say "no" to a good opportunity—social, professional, or recreational—if it consistently interferes with my time for worship or service?
- The "Fruit of the Spirit" Observation: Am I living in a state of constant "hurry sickness," or am I experiencing the peace that comes from seeking the Kingdom first?
This audit isn't about guilt; it’s about clarity. Setting your heart on things above isn't a 'one-and-done' task; it’s an ongoing commitment to clearing away the clutter so God has the space to move and lead.
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