Does Your Schedule Reflect God's Priorities?

I recieved this article from a friend though e-mail. I loved it, so I thought I would share.

Does Your Schedule Reflect God's Priorities?
Published on July 06, 2007

Cory Lisk
Excerpted from TEACH Magazine

I recently heard the question, “Does your schedule reflect your priorities?” I could honestly answer that it did. You see, I have reading to teach, math skills, research skills, potty training . . . Then God spoke directly to my heart, “Cory does your schedule reflect my priorities? Hmm. “So, Lord, what are your priorities?”

“Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Teach this to your children as you sit in your house, as you walk along the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

I am greatly humbled by this very simple directive.

 There are things in my schedule that must be done, like laundry, meals, and the physical needs of my children. My children are my closest neighbors. Do I love them as much as I love myself? Am I teaching them to love their God? How did God show his love for us?

“Yet while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I have great difficulty dying to self and serving selflessly. I have much to learn. I trust Him to show me the needs in my family and how to meet them. He is the source of all wisdom.

I attended a memorial service for a week-old baby the Lord called home. Although the family grieved the loss, they each, including several of their children, gave testimony of their hope in salvation. One daughter spoke of her mother’s willingness to die for this baby, if called to do that. She shared how this showed her a little picture of what Christ did and that she hoped to be like her mom because she has learned so much from her.

“Her children rise up and called her blessed.”

What are my children learning from me? I am learning that every word that comes out of my mouth teaches something. What am I teaching when I speak in frustration? Or when I don’t give my total attention when they have something to tell me? (Eye contact helps here) How about the tone of voice I use, what does that teach?

I am learning, just as my schedule is not my own, my whole life is not my own.

“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

I humbly accept my calling, and whatever schedules the Lord ordain. I am learning to die to self.