Definition and Importance

Prioritizing God's work involves placing the mission and commands of God above personal desires, ambitions, and worldly concerns. It is a call to align one's life with the purposes and plans of God, ensuring that His will is the foremost guiding principle in decision-making and daily activities. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for living a life that honors God and advances His kingdom.

Biblical Foundations

1. Seek First the Kingdom: One of the clearest directives comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:33 , Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse emphasizes the priority of God's kingdom over material needs and concerns, assuring believers that God will provide for them as they focus on His work.

2. The Great Commission: In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This commission underscores the importance of evangelism and discipleship as central tasks for believers, requiring them to prioritize spreading the Gospel.

3. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Himself exemplified prioritizing God's work. In John 4:34 , He declares, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work." Jesus consistently placed the Father's will above His own, even to the point of sacrificing His life.

4. Paul's Dedication: The Apostle Paul is another model of prioritizing God's work. In Philippians 3:8 , he writes, "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Paul's life was marked by a singular focus on knowing Christ and making Him known.

Practical Application

1. Daily Devotion: Prioritizing God's work begins with personal devotion. Regular prayer, Bible study, and meditation on God's Word are foundational practices that align the believer's heart with God's priorities.

2. Service and Ministry: Engaging in service within the church and community is a practical expression of prioritizing God's work. Believers are called to use their gifts and talents to serve others, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10 : "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another."

3. Stewardship of Resources: Financial and material resources should be managed with God's work in mind. This includes tithing, supporting missions, and using resources to further the Gospel. Proverbs 3:9 instructs, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest."

4. Witness and Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with others is a direct way to prioritize God's work. Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:20 : "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us."

Challenges and Encouragement

Prioritizing God's work often involves challenges, such as balancing family, career, and ministry, or facing opposition and persecution. However, believers are encouraged by the promise of God's presence and provision. In Matthew 28:20 , Jesus assures, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This promise provides strength and motivation to remain steadfast in prioritizing God's work.