Recently World Magazine reported an incident that occurred to Aaron Zeff, a California businessman who operates a car-wash. Zeff says that he had a sinking feeling when he saw two dark suited IRS agents approaching his business. Further, he felt even worse when he discovered that they were there to collect delinquent taxes. But the feelings quickly went away when they handed Zeff an envelope and he opened it to discover that the bill for unpaid taxes was four-cents. Yes, the government had sent two agents out to shake down Zeff for the four cents. Now I am not suggesting that Zeff should not have to pay his bill, the law is the law. But commenting to the Sacramento Bee, Zeff said, “it’s hilarious that two people hopped in a car and came down here for just four cents. I think [the IRS] may have a problem with priorities.” I think he is right about that. Jesus said it this way regarding how religious leaders of His day had their priorities out of whack, “they strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.”
Given that, shouldn’t we periodically examine our own priorities? Is it possible that we can do the same things these agents did serving their kingdom as we attempt to serve our God’s Kingdom? If we are not careful, we can focus on the “four-cents” that are missing, the little things that have no great impact on the Kingdom, but consume or efforts, our emotions and our agenda at a cost that is far greater than the return. And we can do that rather than concentrating on developing the spiritual fruit that is missing in our life, or the character issues that needs transforming, or the commitment to daily depth with God that has become “hit or miss” for us or by simply neglecting any of the things that make a real and ultimate difference for us and for God. I have tried to make a practice in my life of regularly getting before God and asking Him, “Father, is what I am doing and focusing on, what you want me doing and focusing on?” You can’t be everything others want you to be and you can’t do everything others want you to do. But you can be everything God created you to be and you can do everything God designed you to do… but it’s all about priorities. In John 14:31 Jesus makes it clear that His priorities were ordered by God, “I do as the Father has commanded me.” So, how are you doing?
What Do You Think?
