Priorities

Worship music time tonight began with "You Are God Alone," by Phillips, Craig, & Dean.

"You are not a God created by human hands. You are not a God dependent on any mortal man. You are not a God in need of anything we can give. By Your plan, that's just the way it is."

"You are God alone! From before time began, You were on Your throne; You were God alone. And right now, in the good times and bad, You are on Your throne. You are God alone!"

Scripture comes from Deuteronomy 6:5-7: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (NIV)

Maxwell notes an old quote as he opens the May 19 devotion in his book: "The leader's job is to keep the main thing, the main thing." Keeping priorities straight is critical. God should always come first, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Love is key in this; love God, love others. Note the order, as it is very important.

This is especially important for leaders. A path can be made clearer by putting God first and following Him above all.

Maxwell notes that Reggie Joiner points out four principles Moses develops in Deuteronomy 6:

1. Relationship comes before rules.
2. Truth must be in you before it can be in others.
3. Each day offers natural opportunities for teaching.
4. Repetition is the teacher's best friend.

As leaders, we should learn to follow these principles. While certain rules must be followed, others that can be "broken" for the sake of building or maintaining a relationship should be broken. Leaders should always act in truth, no matter the consequences. If you want your followers to be truthful, you must display that quality first. Remember that each day is new; use it to teach others. When necessary, such as memorization (i.e. of Scripture), repetition is very helpful. Keep these tips in mind.

Jesus Himself reiterates the principle of love above all in multiple places in Scripture, including Matthew 22:37-40: "Jesus replied, '"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" (NIV)

Love is key! Let your love be more than just words. Put it into action!

God bless you!