Dogmatism Gone To The Dogs

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” – Titus 3:9

Having been a believer for quite some time now and having studied the writings of many contemporary writers and those of bygone years, I see a pattern of curious statements that are made with such dogmatism that I have to pause and digest the logic of it all. How often have you heard or read something like this, “Anyone who fails to make prayer their #1 priority will never live a victorious life,” or “The key to victory is meditation.” You can insert kindness, Bible study, missions, love, and a myriad of other virtues or disciplines and attach the phrase “will never live a successful life.” What I find humorous is this. There is not room for more than one #1 priority. I also can’t help but smile when I think of many victorious Christians who have a different #1 priority. What is even more delightful is when I hear that the author or speaker says he is the first to find this new priority. So how did anyone live in victory up until now?

I don’t wish to make light of any discipline or virtue nor do I want to imply that we are free spirits and can put anything we want in the top slot. God is not a list maker of priorities but calls for sensitivity to His leading in your life.

Try meditating day and night (Psalm 1:2) while at the same time praying without ceasing (II Thessalonians 5:17). You may want to add to this feeding the poor (James 1:27), love your enemy (Matthew 5:44), and always abound in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Such demands could make us very weary. So rest in the Lord, and He will prioritize what He wants from you. Christ did. At least that’s the way I see things.