How can we prioritize Jesus' teachings over worldly influences in our lives? The Heart Cry of a Disciple “Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” (John 6:68) Peter’s question answers itself. When you know Jesus holds “the words of eternal life,” everything else suddenly looks temporary, thin, and unreliable. Prioritizing His teaching begins with the conviction that nowhere else will you find what only He can give. Recognizing Competing Voices • News cycles, social media, entertainment, and peer expectations all clamor for attention. • 1 John 2:16 reminds us that “all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father.” • Identify the sources that pull your affections away from the Lord; you cannot resist what you refuse to name. Anchoring Daily in Scripture • Matthew 4:4 records Jesus quoting Deuteronomy: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” • Treat time in the Word as non-negotiable nourishment: – Set a consistent time and place. – Read with expectation, believing every verse is true and authoritative. – Keep a notebook open for insights and applications. • Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” The more Scripture fills your mind, the less room the world has. Saturating Your Mind with Christ’s Words • Memorize key passages (Psalm 119:11). • Listen to audio Bibles or Scripture-centered music during commutes. • Replace background noise (talk radio, random playlists) with teaching that exalts Jesus. • Romans 12:2 promises transformation as minds are renewed, not conformed. Practicing Immediate Obedience • James 1:22 urges, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • When Scripture speaks, respond without delay: forgive, give, serve, repent, testify. • Obedience reinforces the value of Jesus’ teaching; delay subtly elevates personal preference over His authority. Choosing Fellowship that Points to Jesus • Hebrews 10:24-25 calls believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Invest in relationships that challenge you to love Christ more. • Join a local church that preaches the whole counsel of God and holds Scripture as inerrant. Guarding Input, Filtering Culture • Philippians 4:8 provides a filter: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable—think on these things. • Evaluate shows, books, podcasts, and social feeds through that lens. • When an activity dulls your appetite for Scripture, treat it like junk food and limit or eliminate it. Living for Eternal Reward • Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Worldly influences promise instant gratification; Jesus promises eternal life and lasting joy. • 2 Corinthians 4:18 urges us to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,” because the unseen is eternal. Daily Reminder Like Peter, keep asking, “Lord, to whom would I go?” Every time you answer, “Only to You,” you realign your priorities, quiet competing voices, and find that His words remain the solid ground beneath your feet. |
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