When planning my workdays I often make a list of all the tasks that need to get done. Then, I prioritize the list, putting the most important tasks on top. In our spiritual lives, there are many things that are extremely important. We know that we are called to serve one another. We are called to share the gospel with people. We are called to help the needy. There are many things that are important in our lives, so it is important to know our priorities so that we always get done the most important things.
The Apostle Paul understood priorities and what was most important. In Philippians 3:8, he said, “I count ALL things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” On Paul’s priority list, knowing Christ was at the very top and there were no close seconds.
Mary understood the priority of knowing Christ. One day Jesus came to Mary and Martha’s house. Martha was busy preparing the meal to serve Christ and Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him. Martha was busy serving while Mary was busy getting to know Christ. Martha got a little upset and complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her. Look at Jesus’ response in Luke 10:41-42. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” There are many things in our lives, but only one is necessary – knowing Christ.
Here are several things that you can do in the coming year to know Christ more. First, create a list of all the names and characteristics of God that you find in your daily reading of the Scriptures. Second, meditate on these names and characteristics. Third, use the list in your praise, worship, and prayer times to hallow His name. Fourth, learn to listen to God’s voice and take time to sit at His feet each day and listen to Him. According to Paul, ALL things pale in comparison to getting to know Christ better in 2018.