Justin Bourne seemed to have it all. The son of former NHL star Bob Bourne, Justin was playing in the minors, one step from the big leagues. He had a wife and a couple of kids. Unfortunately, he also had a huge drinking problem! With his life spiralling out of control, he checked into rehab.
During one of the sessions, the class leader handed everyone a piece of paper and told them to list the most important things in their lives. Justin did not even have to think about the answer and immediately wrote “Family” at the top of his list.
When the instructor looked at Justin’s list he said, “You are wrong!” Justin was confused. How could family be the wrong answer? The instructor said, “What you should have put at the top of your list was ‘Stay Sober!’ That is the most important thing in your life because if that does not happen, you will lose all the other good things on your list!”
It is easy to become distracted. It is easy to get our priorities wrong and lose our way. Even good things become a problem when they take priority over the best things.
Jesus had something to say about that when, in Matthew 6:33, he said, “Seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
J. I. Packer once said, “Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord”.
What is at the top of your list?
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