Priorities

THE ISSUE:

One of the largest—and still growing—problems in today’s society is lack of priority.
It’s so easy to become wrapped up in our modern ways, getting pulled along with the crowd that we often forget what we are really here for.
We lose perspective and, once adjusted to our own personal routine, we become less aware of the changes happening around us.
It may surprise you just how out of perspective we are! According to recent research, it has been discovered that more people can identify the golden arches of McDonalds than the Christian cross. For me, this particular statement proves a very large point! Take a look at these other statistics:

> British supermarkets know more about their customers than the British Government does.
> Brazil has more employed Avon ladies than members of its armed services.
> Fewer than 26 million people voted in the 2001 British General Election. However, more than 32 million votes were cast in the first season of Pop Idol.
> Every cow in the European Union is subsidised by $US2.50 a day, which is more than the amount 75 per cent of Africans have to live on.
> Famous golfer, Tiger Woods, is paid $US78 million a year—or $US148 every second—regardless of whether he is playing a game or not! Working from that last fact, an eight-hour day spent in the office on an average wage would earn you up to around $200. For Tiger Woods, sitting on his couch for 1.2 seconds adds up to roughly the same amount.  

RESPONSE:

It isn’t right that more people die each year from suicide than in all the world’s armed conflicts. Nor is it right that America spends an estimated $US10 million on pornography—the same amount it spends on foreign aid.
But as Christians, we are here to help. Our main priority is to live and breathe God’s love, all the while setting an example for those around us. We have been given a mission by God to reach out to people in all situations—from those who have not yet heard the word of God, to people who may already have Jesus in their lives but just need the inspiration to continue spreading His message.
Sure, being a Christian does not suggest that we are perfect. We too get caught up in life’s daily struggles, becoming just as vulnerable and easy to drag into the downward spiral. But there is a difference: we know of a friend who is always there to help—an anchor to hold us together when things get crazy—that same friend who will always keep us in perspective.  

ACT:

> Take time out every once in a while to reflect on your feelings and don’t forget to spend quality time with God.
> Note any issues that stand out to you as unfair and brainstorm ways to create a possible solution for these problems.
> Rather than just speak it, practice it—gather together a group of activists and begin a supportive motion toward some current issues.
> Get involved in organisations set up to help minimise certain problems.
For example, fund a water project in a less fortunate country.
> Pray—the best way to begin solving a problem is to take the matter to God. You never know, He might surprise you!  

LINKS:

> www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/ suicide/suicideprevent/en/
> www.adra.org.au
> www.makepovertyhistory.org.au
> www.reachout.com.au