Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Day 2- Sacrifice of Time and Priorities

Discover: In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom above all else. When we prioritize God's kingdom, Jesus promises that He'll take care of our needs. How can we shift our priorities to make this true in our lives? This command challenges us to evaluate how we spend our time and what we consider most important in our daily lives. In a world that constantly demands our attention, from schoolwork and extracurricular activities to social media and friendships, Jesus calls us to place Him at the center. The supporting verses in Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 3:1-2 echo this message, urging us to make the most of our time and to set our minds on things above, not on earthly matters.

Learn: Sacrificing our time and priorities for God means more than just squeezing in a quick prayer or reading a Bible verse here and there. It requires a conscious and consistent effort to put God first in every aspect of our lives. Ephesians 5:15-16 emphasizes the importance of living wisely, and making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This wisdom involves recognizing that time is a precious resource, one that should be invested in activities that glorify God and build our spiritual lives. In the same way, Colossians 3:1-2 challenges us to shift our focus from earthly concerns to heavenly ones. This shift is not easy, as it often requires letting go of good things to pursue what is best—our relationship with God. This kind of sacrifice cultivates spiritual growth. This happens as we begin aligning our daily decisions with God’s eternal purposes, ensuring that our lives reflect His kingdom’s values.

Apply: Today, take an honest look at how you spend your time. Are your daily activities aligned with God's kingdom, or do they reflect more of the world's priorities? Choose one activity that currently consumes a significant amount of your time—whether it's scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows, or even a hobby that might be taking precedence over your time with God. Decide to temporarily set this activity aside for the rest of the week, replacing it with intentional time spent in prayer, Bible study, or serving others. Use this time to seek God’s will for your life, asking Him to reveal areas where you can better align your priorities with His. As you do this, reflect on the promise of Matthew 6:33 and trust that God will take care of your needs as you put Him first. Consider how this change in your daily routine affects your relationship with God and your overall sense of peace and fulfillment.

· What does it look like to "seek first the kingdom of God" in your daily life?

· How can you make the most of your time according to Ephesians 5:15-16?

· What distractions or priorities might be pulling you away from focusing on God?

· How does setting your mind on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:1-2, change the way you approach your daily decisions?

· How did sacrificing one activity this week to spend more time with God impact your relationship with Him?