Folks can tell where our priorities are by observing how we spend our money and how we react to the daily aggravations that come our way. So can God. Every action we make fits into one of two categories. First, there's the Big Deal, then there's the Little Deal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says "For our light affliction which is but for a moment works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal".

When I was younger I felt that if I paid my tithe and gave an occasional offering, I was free to spend my money on whatever I wished. I filled my life with all manner of stuff. I was content to attend church regularly and say a token prayer and read a few scriptures now and then. My agenda was my big deal, and if it was disrupted for any reason I would go into a tailspin and lash out at the guilty party. Things like failing to put things back where you found them, tracking mud on a just mopped floor, food messes in a clean kitchen, etc. were a big deal. If someone asked for help I would agree to do it, but I resented it because it messed up my "To Do" list. I aimed for a perfect house, a model family and the accolades of others, but no matter how hard I tried, I still felt empty, so very empty.

Then God began to work on me, often through chastisement, failure, sickness, and disappointment, until I finally got the message. He showed me that every breath I take comes from Him, and He wants to be Lord of ALL of me: my will, thoughts, words, actions, motives, time, skills, money and health. Now, praise the Lord, He is in control of my agenda, and He has my permission to disrupt it for whatever reasons. Now I love to give generously of my time, talents and money. I love being in His house with His people. I am more patient with the blunders and aggravations of family life, and I am full and running over. The rule my family and I live by now is: "If it's of no eternal consequences, it's No Big Deal.

Friend, what about you? Does God have your permission to order your life as He wishes? Until He does, you will always be searching for one more things to fill that emptiness inside. If you haven't already done so, do it today. Matthew 6:33 says "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

-– Rebecca Somoskey