I attended a Little Philmont training for Scout Leaders yesterday. One of the take aways from the meeting was Pres. Fields concept of “Selective Neglect.” It’s another way of explaining priorities in life. There is too much to accomplish during any given day, therefore, we must filter our activities through a set of priorities. Here are our family’s priorities in life:
- God
- Spouse
- Children
- Work
- Church
Many seemingly complicated or difficult decisions are eliminated when processed through these filters. Teaching investigators the plan of happiness is lightened when they can articulate their priorities in life. Too often they will have happiness as their top priority. That’s not a priority, it’s the outcome of having priorities. Couples who don’t get along well often have their priorities out of whack. They place children above spouse, work above God, or any combination that creates internal conflict that is never resolved.
Could you expand, or compare/contrast the 1st and 5th categories of “God” and “Church”? How are these not one and the same?
God and church can seem similar or even the same if taken at the macro level. However, one’s relationship with God is different than one’s relationship and obligation with the church. Members sometimes anthropomorphize (humanize it) the church and lose focus of being Christ-centered. Instead, they become church centered at the expense of family, work, and God. Serving in a calling without boundaries is not the same as serving God.
A healthy relationship with God, that is marked by regular prayer, scripture study, and an open heart fully subject to revelation, deepens one’s relationship with spouse, children (family), work, and one’s calling.