Possibly from the time many of us were younger we heard the word “priority.” We heard it in school regarding studying and paying attention in class. In church services we heard it when it comes to putting God first. At work, we heard it used regarding projects that needed to be accomplished.
A little “priority” history – In the 1400s, “priority” came into the English language. It meant the “very first thing,” and was singular. It wasn’t until the 1900s that people began to pluralize this word and speak of “priorities.”
The word “priority” is of Latin origin and there does not seem to be any plural form of the word. In fact, the term “priorities” in Latin is a different word.
The singular nature of the word meant there was one thing greater than all the rest. Rather than having one priority or one first thing, it was illogically believed that we could have multiple things that were of greatest importance.
In truth, we can create the illusion of having many things being our priority but in fact we’re declaring nothing is. Sometimes we even us the term, “multi-tasking” to give us a reason for multiple priorities.
Regarding Bible translations, the New Living Translation of Matthew 6:33 captures this idea well with, “make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Everything else is secondary – maybe very important, but secondary.
Being wrong and hearing that you have been wrong stings to the very core. However, being wrong and accepting it are two different situations. It takes laying your pride aside to acknowledge you are wrong and you want to fix it.
Kin Hubbard is quoted as saying, “The man who says, ‘I may be wrong but—’ does not believe there can be any such a possibility.” The acceptance of wrong means one must realize they are a flawed individual and they make mistakes. A person may not be as perfect as they think they are and accepting that is the beginning.
In Acts 2.37, those Jews gathered in the upper room heard some stinging words. Their response showed where their hearts were that day. The Holy Writ say they were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2.37; ESV). The King James Version says, “they were pricked in their heart.”
Whether you are “cut to the heart” or “pricked” in your heart, you know that it hurts. You may also know the Bible was not written in English, but in Greek. So, to better see what this word means, it is necessary to examine the word, “katanussō.”
The word, “katanussō”,”is defined as “to pierce thoroughly, to agitate violently” (Strongs). Thayers Dictionary defines the word as “to prick, pierce; metaphorically to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently.”
So, the word used show that the audience was hit right where it hurts – their heart.
The words spoken stung.
They hurt. They not only hurt, but they agitated the hearers to action.
Instead of being hurt and getting angry, the audience responded with a question. Everyone could have shunned the responsibility and just been angry. They could have got up and left. They would have went home and told everyone they know how mean those words were and how they were never going back. They could have stirred the drama pot of angst and hatred, but they did not.
The audience accepted those words.
Even though the words cut them deep, pierced them to the core, and agitated them, the audience chose to act on their newfound knowledge. They chose to be responsible.
Their response was in the form of a question, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
At their question, they were ready. They were willing to accept responsibility and press forward. They were ready for a change. They were going to do what it took to solved the problem they created.
What would you have done at those moment? At the moment you were hit at your very core, how would you have responded?
To help answer this question, think of how you would respond today. Would you accept the words? Would you acknowledge you were wrong?
It seems easy to shed the responsibility and blame someone else. It seems easier to just get angry and walk away. However, in the long run, the problem still exists.
Putting off a problem only helps it to grow greater for another appearance later.
How do you handle the stinging words of truth?
Each of has been wrong before. Some of us will be wrong again.
When it comes to religion, being wrong is hard. A person may grow up and attended services at their church every time the doors are open only to find out later, they may have been wrong. It might not have ever happened to you, but it has happened to man some a point.
The key is where to look.
One not need to look at man’s words, but at God’s. Dig into the Holy Scriptures and see what they say. If we are doing something not in line with God’s word, then we need to change.
While we might be angry, upset, frustrated or sad, the emotions of the hurt must be solved but the actions to become right.
Be a person who does not shed responsibility, but me mature and accept the mistake and begin making changes to live well.
Read Acts 2 today and see how those who were “cut to the heart” responded.
Two of the most known apostles were told not to speak. Their punishment was one of silence. (Acts 4.18)
Their crime? Healing a lame beggar. (Acts 3.6-8)
As Peter and John stood before the council and heard their punishment, they could not help but speak. The Jewish Council knew they could not deny the miracle (Acts 4.16) and their only recourse was to silence Peter and John.
When Peter and John heard their judgement that they were “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4.18) they could not help but respond. Their answer was simple, but passionate. They said, “Whether is it right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you judge., for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4.19-20)
In 1962, John Stott wrote a timeless truth about evangelism which speaks volumes; even today. He stated, “Nothing shuts the mouth, seals the lips, and ties the tongue like the secret poverty of our own spiritual experience.”
To put it simple, we cannot share what we do not possess. When we are silent, we still speak. We do not speak the same as using words, but we speak. We communicate. Our silence can be an indicator we have not been saved, or we have hidden the blessings of Christ and the life that He provides to us, so that we have nothing to share.
It should be a prayer that we desire to be like the disciples who passionately answered, “we can’t help but speak about the wonderful things we’ve seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
It is that time of year again where the holidays are upon us. We have already pass through Thanksgiving Day and we are pressing on towards Christmas and then to break in a new year. It is during these times a church family is important due to the emotional strain the holidays may bring. During the holiday season, memories come to the forefront of our minds and those thoughts can make one feel sad, lonely or depressed.
People to remember during the holidays:
Those who have lost loved ones – Having a family member pass away breaks one’s heart and the holidays can revive some of those memories. This time of year brings back memories of good times from our childhood to the current day and many of those memories feature people who have passed on from this Earthly life. Remember the widowers, widows, parents who lost children, siblings, grandparents and more.
Those without close families – Whether by distance or other factors, there are individuals who will not be near any family during the holidays. Being away from family as others attend family celebrations can make the holidays difficult and lonely. Remember those who are not near their families and remember those who have family members away (example – military).
There are several more groups we could mention, but each of us probably has a connection to someone in one of these groups. There are several Bible verses we could mention but remember this one, “…all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35)
In 1971, Coca-Cola released a commercial with new jingle, “I’d like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony…I’d like to buy the world a Coke, and keep it company, that’s the real thing.” The new jingle became an instant hit and propelled Coke to a new generation, and it has been called “one of the best-loved and most influential ads in TV history. (Campaign magazine, 2007)
Coke, or Coca-Cola, has been a household name because of its mission. After WWII, Americans returned from all parts of the world. That global exposure led Robert Woodruff, president of Coca-Cola from 1923 to 1955, to succinctly state is his new vision: “During my lifetime I want every person in the world to taste Coca-Cola.” (Shepherding the Sheep in Smaller Churches, Paul Powell, 1995, p.43)
Someone has said, “Almost any mission trip reminds us that Coke has done a better job than the Church.” The influence of Coke has been driven by its mission to share the taste of a Coke with every person in the world.
Have you ever offered someone a Coke?
In 2017, LifeWay Research asked 1,010 American adults that attend church at least once a month, “What is the primary reason you do not bring guests with you to worship services more often?” By far, the most common response (31%) was, “I do not know.” (Lifewayresearch.com)
Are you more likely to offer someone a Coke or the opportunity to learn more about Christ?
Let us remember that everlasting life lasts long than a Coke.
