Priority One

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.

– 2 Corinthians 1:12

There’s plenty of talk these days about conservation and renewable resources. It’s all about doing more with less and getting back to basics. As a nation, we have to set priorities. But what about our personal priorities for a valuable resource that we can never renew: our time?

Everyone has only a set number of days to live on this Earth. And what we do with them depends on our priorities. Some might live to travel the globe and find adventure. Some might live for pleasure, family or friends. And still others might seek meaning by throwing themselves into their careers. With so many choices and outlooks, how can we best set our priorities?

With the recent Winter Olympics still fresh in our memories, let’s consider Eric Liddell’s story for some guidance. Liddell was a Christ-follower who believed that everything in his life should be done to please God. Born in China, he looked forward to one day fulfilling his calling as a missionary. But before that, he would compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics as a runner.

All seemed well until Liddell learned that his big race was scheduled for a Sunday. And that was a big problem. He felt in his heart that competing on Sundays was wrong — that it would dishonor the God he always sought to please. So he stepped aside, seemingly disqualifying himself from a chance at fame by representing his country in the Olympic Games. 

Eric Liddell’s clear priority was to put God first, regardless of the cost. And needless to say, it was a priority that few shared. It’s reported that even the Prince of Wales urged the young athlete to run in the Sunday track meet. But Liddell refused to compromise his principles.

And then the unexpected happened. Liddell was given an opportunity to race on another day. The catch was that he had never trained for that particular event. Fans of the 1981 movie classic Chariots of Fire surely know what happened next: Liddell won the contest and claimed the cherished gold medal.

So, what are your priorities in life? What’s really important? 

As Christ-followers, we first need to seek God’s guidance if He hasn’t already answered those questions. It’s then that we take that next crucial step: the decision to honor God. We also need to develop a plan of action. What are we willing to change to meet the goal? What’s negotiable? And finally, it’s time to deliver by running the race and seeing it through past the finish line.

Eric Liddell’s real-life adventure is full of life lessons. But if there’s just one to adopt as our own, it’s that God will honor us when we decide to honor God.

Are you ready to go back to basics in your walk of faith? Then let the race begin.