What Do You Really Want?
(August 17, 2026)
I asked one of my sons the other day, “What are the three top priorities in your
life?” He is a very successful businessman and so I was surprised when he
confessed to me the next day that he hadn’t really thought about it much. I dare
say he is not alone. We all have priorities, though we may not think consciously
about them. But I believe that the exercise is well worth the effort. Let’s examine
some of the priorities the world offers as valid and see what Scripture has to say.
One of the priorities the world offers is to amass wealth. Proverbs says in 18:11,
“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own
imagination.” Many people, if not most, think that more money will solve most, if
not all, of their problems. But Scripture cautions us not to put our trust in
uncertain riches but in God who never changes (1 Timothy 6:17).
Another priority people set is fame. They want to be known by the world. But
friend, the world is a fickle place. The song by the rock group, the Eagles,
describes it well in their song, “The New Kid in Town.” Scripture cautions us in
Ecclesiastes that chasing after fame is vanity.
Other people look to prestige to satisfy them. They want people to look up to
them and honor them. But even if one has a street or a hospital named after
them, who’s to say that it won’t change after they leave this world? This too is
vanity.
Finally, a lot of people believe that family is the only thing worth living for, and as
important as that is, someday we will all stand alone before a holy God and give
account of our life. At that time, family will not be able to help us.
Then, what IS the priority that should be at the top of our list? Ecclesiastes 12
gives it to us, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of
man.” Of course, the only way we can do this is to repent of our sins, receive
Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and follow Him with all our heart. If this is not your
priority, I pray that you will consider it carefully and decide for Christ. It is the only
way to have peace in this life, and eternal life in the next.