Priorities

Is this a camel or a gnat?

“You [spiritually] blind guides, who strain out a gnat [consuming yourselves with minuscule matters] and swallow a camel [ignoring and violating God’s precepts]!” Matthew 23:24 Amplified Bible

“Action expresses priorities.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

How many stories are about unimportant things everywhere we look, social media, television and publications? They distract from self-reflection and, (dare I say it?) Repentance. Just the other day I was worried about cleaning my house for company. I thought of the story of Mary and Martha while cleaning at break-neck speed. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet while Martha complained about Mary’s lack of help with dinner preparations. I’ve never had someone come to visit my house. I’ve had them come to laugh and share. I’ve had them come to express grief or an accomplishment. I don’t think dirt and dog hair is what they were looking for. I’ve never visited others and looked at smudges on the mirror or dirty dishes. Gnat or camel?

New year priorities. Am I swallowing a camel while focusing on gnats? A daily meeting at the feet of Jesus, even if it’s only for a few minutes, puts away camels. Here are some of my gnats and camels:

Thankfulness for another day or grumbling about the weather

Boredom with the tasks at hand or thankfulness I am physically able to accomplish them

Fearing others or thankful for the Father’s protection and guidance

Focusing on what’s wrong with me or asking for Divine Help and encouragement

Dusty furniture or arms around a discouraged child

Lack of money or upward call for creativity and discipline

Stumbling over and over the same sin or rejoicing in my grace to start again

Musings

It’s so easy to fixate on matters that mean very little. The dangerous part is overlooking all the love, support, beauty, and meaning the Father provides. What a waste of life and space! The spiritual leaders of Jesus’ time missed the Son of God. They were too impressed with their importance. They strained out a gnat and swallowed a camel.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Jesus demonstrated the important things in life. He demonstrated love even when under attack, entrapment or shame. Help us to notice all the truly important things today with thanks.

Amen.