The Order of Things

GOD

(Keeping our priorities clear in a world full of distractions.)

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1. God

2. Self purpose in Christ 3. Seek The Word, take notes, and apply! 4. Contribution to the Kingdom 5. Life's work 6. Equally yoked tribe (friendships) 7. Maturity/selflessness/patience 8. Inspire FUTURE generations "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 - (Put God at the top of your list, and everything else will fall into place!) Is it an idol? We have to ask ourselves this question before pursuing things of this world. It's important to pray before making moves, in order to make wise decisions so that ungodly things are not prioritized in our lives. Human beings are created to worship something, so it's important to praise He who is deserving of the glory instead of our own fleshly desires. Carnal desires are natural (we are human), but as Christians, we must allow God to guide us as we encourage ourselves and each other to live righteously.

Possible idols... 1. Being interesting or popular 2. Being fashionable 3. Wanting a different body/hair 4. Wanting more money or a new job 5. Wanting a different home 6. Social media post (opinions) 7. Comparison 8. Parents, friends, or children 9. Dating or marriage 10. Your significant other or spouse “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalms‬ ‭139:13-15‬ ‭‬‬

We can pray to keep our priorities straight, and call on the Holy Spirit's guide.

About the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is an important and independent piece of the unified Holy Trinity consisting of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Each of these is a whole 100% independently, yet still 100% when joined together. The omnipresent God created humanity for His Purpose and out of love for all of his "children" (people). Despite this great opportunity to thrive on earth, mankind went astray, so something had to be done. God sent His Son in order to relate, serve as an observable example, inspire others, heal a dying world, and finally, sacrifice His life for our ever present sins, so that we might life in Freedom. After Jesus interceded for us and went to join his Father in heaven, the Holy Spirit (The Helper) was sent to Earth to aid us. After accepting Jesus Christ as our personal savior, the Holy Spirit lives inside of all of us. Though we can choose to ignore the Holy Spirit's guidance and assistance in our every day life, He is waiting to have a personal relationship with each human being. He wants to constantly aid in our individual purposes and godly walk in faith.

*Our priorities are especially important to remember during the holiday seasons when the likelihood of indulging in the seven deadly sins may increase. We must cast out the spirits of: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth for they are contrary to the seven virtues of humility, liberality, chastity, kindness, abstinence, patience, and diligence.