Are You Getting It Backwards?

Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

The Battle of Priorities

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

Life pulls us in many directions. Work demands our time, family needs our attention, and our faith calls us to deeper devotion. In the tension of daily life, how do we prioritize what matters most? The answer lies in aligning our hearts with God’s order: faith first, family second, and career third.

When we place our careers or personal ambitions above our faith, we may achieve success by worldly standards but feel spiritually empty. Likewise, if we neglect our families in pursuit of professional advancement, we risk losing the relationships that matter most. God’s design is not about choosing one over the other, but about putting everything in its rightful place.

Faith as the Foundation

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

Faith is the foundation of a well-ordered life. Without God at the center, everything else will eventually crumble. We are called to seek Him first, trusting that He will provide for our needs. When we dedicate time to prayer, scripture, and worship, we develop the wisdom and strength to lead our families and work with integrity.

This doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities, but rather letting our faith shape how we approach them. When we prioritize God, we gain clarity on how to handle the pressures of life without being consumed by them.

Family: Our First Ministry

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4

Our families are entrusted to us by God. Husbands and wives are called to love and serve one another, and parents are responsible for raising their children in faith. When we make time for our loved ones, we demonstrate that they are valuable in our lives.

Too often, work creeps in and steals the time meant for family. It’s easy to justify long hours as necessary for providing, but our families need more than financial support—they need our presence. Prioritizing family means setting boundaries and making intentional choices to nurture those relationships.

Work: Serving with Purpose

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Work is not just a means to an end; it’s an opportunity to glorify God. Whether we are in the office, on a job site, or managing a home, our work is a reflection of our faith. When we see our careers as a platform to serve God and others, we approach our jobs with excellence and integrity.

However, work should never come before our relationship with God or our commitment to family. Success is not measured by promotions or paychecks but by how well we steward the roles God has given us. Keeping work in its proper place allows us to excel without sacrificing what truly matters.

Challenge: Realign Your Priorities

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Are your priorities aligned with God’s design? Take time to evaluate where your faith, family, and work stand in your daily life. Identify any areas that need adjustment and commit to making faith your foundation, family your ministry, and work your platform for service.

Prayer

Lord, help me to seek You first in all things. Give me wisdom to prioritize my faith, cherish my family, and serve You through my work. Let my life reflect Your order, bringing peace and purpose to everything I do. Amen.

For more resources to help you align your priorities and live with purpose, visit Uncommen.org. Join our Membership Program for exclusive devotionals, podcast content, and tools to help you grow in Faith, Family & Work. Let’s be Uncommen men—rooted in Christ, present at home, and faithful in every task.