Looking Forward to August 1, 2010 -- 10th Sunday After Pentecost

The Scripture Readings for this Sunday are:

• Luke 12:13-21
• Psalm 49 (VU p.774)
• Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:11, 22-26

The Sermon Title is Priorities

Early Thoughts: What do we put first? What is primary in our planning and decision making?

 These seem to be good questions to ask at the beginning of a new relationship.  They also seem to be questions asked many times in Scripture.

In this Luke passage we hear a story about someone who has clearly got his priorities wrong -- at least by a certain form of wisdom.  On the other hand, he could well have his priorities right according to a very common form of wisdom in today's world.  Which form of wisdom will we follow?

In the book of Ecclesiastes we have something very different.  At a quick read it can be difficult to see what the author is trying to say (especially since he seems to contradict himself).  But Rabbi Harold Kushner, in his book When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough, suggests that this cynical writing is the work of a middle-aged man who has sought meaning in wealth, in the activities of pleasure, and in learning only to be left feeling disappointed and empty.  When we get our priorities wrong that can happen.  In fact I would suggest that it is possibly a very common thing in our world today.

One of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is to put First Things First.  For the church this means that we put something before the budget, or the membership report, or the state of the building.  Our first thing, our highest priority, needs to be discerning who God is calling us to be.  The funny thing about priorities, is that when we get them right life seems to fall into place so much easier.  When we first discern where and who God is calling us to be it is my belief that the other stuff will fall into place.  At the very least it is well worth a try!
--Gord