First Things First

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks,
and look well to thy herds” (Prov 27:23).

Priorities are important, because they help us determine what we will do. There are literally millions of things we could do, but there are only twenty-four hours in the day. We have to decide every day what we will do: those are our priorities.
This proverb talks about priorities. The writer says a man should be well-apprised about his own flocks and herds. In Bible times, a man’s cattle was his wealth—the more he had, the wealthier he was (think about Job). Before he worried about getting more or expanding his holdings, he should make sure he took care of what he was already responsible for.
The same is true for you and me. We must take care of business at home before we go out to conquer the world. You are getting to the age when you are beginning to think about the future, but don’t ever forget about your priorities. While school and friends are important, even more important is your personal relationship with the Lord, your responsibilities toward your parents, and your relationship with your siblings. Don’t ever become so eager to “get out” that you ignore the people who love you most.
Before you can please God “out there” you need to demonstrate obedience at home and in your own personal life. Jesus told his disciples, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). If you want to know how you will handle big, adult-sized responsibilities, just take a look at how you handle smaller ones right now. Before you head out into the world, make sure you are taking care of your own “flocks and herds.” Put first things first and remember your priorities.