‘I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.’
John 15:16 NKJV
Establish your priorities
Priorities-In order to fulfil God’s plan for your life, you must establish clear priorities and live by them each day. Author Edward de Bono quipped, ‘A conclusion is the place where you get tired of thinking.’ Sadly, many people arrive at priorities based on where they ran out of steam. You definitely don’t want to do that. Nor do you want to allow others to decide your agenda or your priorities. Many ways exist for determining priorities. First, and foremost, your plan must always line up with God’s will for you (see Hebrews 13:20-21). Jesus said, ‘I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.’ Observe:
1) You must know that God has chosen and appointed you to a particular area of service.
2) Your goal in life should be fruit that ‘remains’ after you. If you use them properly, things like money and influence can aid you, but they must never be your goal or your heart’s desire.
So, how can you establish the right priorities? As you get to know yourself better, begin focusing on your strengths and the things that make best use of your God-given skills. Consider what brings you the highest return and reward. Think about what you enjoy most and do best. Those are your core gifts. Utilise the 80/20 rule. Give 80 per cent of your effort to the top 20 per cent of your activities. Bottom line: Jesus said you are to give your attention to the areas that bear the most fruit.
Edward de Bono is a Maltese physician, psychologist, and author known for his work in the field of cognitive psychology. He is primarily recognized for developing the concept of lateral thinking, which is a method of solving problems through an indirect and creative approach. De Bono has written numerous books on creativity, thinking, and problem-solving, and his contributions have had a significant impact on the field of psychology.
Identifying God’s priorities for your life is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. It involves seeking guidance and discernment through prayer, meditation, and reflection on sacred texts. Different individuals may have different interpretations and understandings of God’s will, and the process of discernment may vary for each person.
To set your own life priorities, it is important to align your values, goals, and aspirations. Here are ten proverbs and verses that highlight the significance of setting priorities in life:
1. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
This verse reminds us to prioritize what truly matters to us, as our actions reflect our priorities.
2. “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
This proverb encourages us to prioritize moral values and integrity in all aspects of life.
3. “The first wealth is health.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Health should be a priority as it enables us to pursue our goals and enjoy life to the fullest.
4. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Prioritizing education empowers us to make a positive impact and create a better future.
5. “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Prioritize setting clear goals and developing actionable plans to achieve them.
6. “Take care of your body; it’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
Prioritize self-care and well-being to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.
7. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey
Prioritize pursuing your passions and dreams, as they bring fulfillment and purpose.
8. “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey
Effective time management is crucial to prioritize tasks and allocate time to what matters most.
9. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
Prioritize perseverance and consistency in pursuing your goals, even if progress is slow.
10. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
Prioritize taking proactive steps to shape your future and make the most of the present.
Setting priorities in life requires self-reflection, introspection, and a clear understanding of one’s values and aspirations. By identifying and organizing your priorities, you can make informed decisions, allocate your time and resources effectively, and work towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
