CHILD-FRIENDLY THE LAW OF PRIORITY!

2 Timothy 4:1-8 GNT

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, I solemnly urge you [2] to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience. [3] The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. [4] They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. [5] But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God. [6] As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed; the time is here for me to leave this life. [7] I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. [8] And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day-and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

 

The law of priority means putting the most important things first. What we place first in our lives will shape everything else. In this passage, Paul is in prison, knowing his time on earth is almost over. But instead of being afraid, he focuses on God’s work, on helping Timothy, and on finishing his assignment well. His life shows us how to put God first.

Paul tells Timothy, “Preach the Word… be ready in season and out of season.” This means God’s Word must be our top priority. When God comes first, everything else in life finds its proper place. Jesus teaches the same in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

Paul warns that people will stop listening to the truth and will choose what feels easy instead. That is why we must be intentional about our priorities. We have to choose God every day, just like Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve.”

Paul also encourages Timothy to keep going, even when it is hard. Putting God first is not always easy, but it brings strength. Jesus showed this when He chose the cross over comfort (Luke 9:51).

Paul then says, “I have fought the good fight… finished the race… kept the faith.” He lived with the right priorities. He fought the right battles, stayed faithful, and completed his mission.

Finally, Paul looks forward to the crown of righteousness. God rewards those who put Him first. Others in the Bible did the same—Abraham obeyed God, Daniel prayed even when it was risky, and Jesus always did His Father’s will.

Putting God first gives us peace, direction, and purpose. It is not about doing everything, but doing what matters most to God.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

·       What is taking first place in my life?

·       What battles is God asking me to focus on?

·       How can I use my time this week to obey God better?

PRAYER: Lord, help me to put You first in everything I do. Teach me to follow Your Word and finish my race well. Amen.

Shalom.