THE POWER OF PRIORITY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 6:33
Key Verse: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Supporting Texts: Luke 10:41-42, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Philippians 3:13-14, Proverbs 16:3
INTRODUCTION:
Life is full of choices, and each choice reflects our priorities. What we give our time, energy, and resources to reveals what truly matters to us. Many chase after things that are urgent but not important, forgetting that only what aligns with God’s purpose will last. Priorities shape destiny, and misplaced priorities often lead to frustration and missed opportunities.
The Bible emphasises the importance of setting our priorities right. Jesus, in Matthew 6:33, teaches us to seek God and His Kingdom above all else, promising that when we make Him our first pursuit, everything else will fall into place. This shows us that the order of our priorities determines the order of our blessings.
As Christians, the power of priority cannot be underestimated. It directs our focus, governs our decisions, and ensures our lives bring glory to God. To live victoriously, we must align our priorities with divine purpose and not be carried away by the distractions of this world.
1. WRONG PRIORITIES LEAD TO EMPTY LIVING
When priorities are misplaced, life becomes a cycle of frustration and unfulfillment.
a) Chasing vanity is emptiness (Ecclesiastes 1:2) – Pursuing worldly gain without God leaves the soul unsatisfied.
b) Wrong focus causes loss (Luke 12:20-21) – The rich fool prioritised wealth and lost his soul.
c) Misplaced priorities waste time (Ecclesiastes 3:1) – Time spent on the wrong things cannot be recovered.
d) Wrong priorities destroy destiny (Judges 16:20-21) – Samson prioritised pleasure over purpose and lost his strength.
Biblical Example: Esau despised his birthright by prioritising food over destiny (Genesis 25:29-34).
2. GODLY PRIORITIES BRING ORDER TO LIFE
When God is first, everything else falls into place with divine alignment.
a) God must be first (Exodus 20:3) – Putting God above all secures lasting blessings.
b) God orders the steps of the focused (Proverbs 16:3) – Committing your works to Him brings establishment.
c) Right priorities reduce anxiety (Luke 12:29-31) – Trusting God’s provision removes needless worry.
d) Kingdom-first living attracts addition (Matthew 6:33) – Seeking God first guarantees divine supply.
Biblical Example: Solomon prioritised wisdom over riches, and God added wealth and honour to him (1 Kings 3:9-13).
3. PRIORITY SHAPES DESTINY AND IMPACT
What you prioritise today determines your future outcome.
a) Priority directs focus (Philippians 3:13-14) – Paul pressed toward his heavenly calling without distraction.
b) Priority influences choices (Joshua 24:15) – Joshua chose to serve God with his household.
c) Priority builds legacy (Proverbs 22:1) – Choosing integrity over riches secures a lasting name.
d) Priority determines eternal reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8) – Those who prioritise faithfulness receive crowns in glory.
Biblical Example: Daniel prioritised prayer and loyalty to God above survival, and his destiny shone in Babylon (Daniel 6:10, 28).
4. HOW TO SET AND KEEP GODLY PRIORITIES
Priorities must be intentional and disciplined to bring lasting results.
a) Seek God first daily (Psalm 63:1) – Start each day with Him to set the right focus.
b) Filter choices through the Word (Psalm 119:105) – God’s Word reveals what truly matters.
c) Guard against distractions (Hebrews 12:1-2) – Laying aside weights keeps us focused.
d) Live with eternity in view (Colossians 3:1-2) – Setting affections on things above directs our pursuits.
Biblical Example: Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, prioritising the eternal Word over temporary service (Luke 10:41-42).
CONCLUSION:
The power of priority is the power of direction and destiny. A man’s life rises or falls based on what he values most. When priorities are misplaced, destiny is wasted, but when they align with God, blessings and fulfilment follow.
Beloved, do not allow life’s busyness or worldly pressures to dictate your choices. Let God, His Kingdom, and His righteousness take the first place in your life. When you give Him the highest priority, everything else will be divinely ordered and added unto you.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every wrong priority that wastes destiny.
2. Father, help me to always seek You first in all things.
3. O Lord, reorder my steps according to Your divine will.
4. Father, give me wisdom to make the right choices daily.
5. Lord, help me to live with eternity in view.
6. O Lord, remove every distraction drawing me away from You.
7. Father, give me grace to put You first above all else.
8. Lord, let my life be fruitful by keeping the right focus.
9. O Lord, align my priorities with my divine destiny.
10. Father, let my priorities bring glory to Your name always.
