Devotional
We’re experts at compartmentalizing our lives. Work goes in one box, family in another, hobbies in a third, and faith gets its own little corner – usually labeled “Sunday mornings and emergencies.” We try to balance everything, giving each area just enough attention to keep all the plates spinning. Then Jesus shows up and refuses to stay in His assigned corner. He won’t be just another item on your priority list or another appointment in your calendar. He insists on being the lens through which you view everything else. This isn’t because He’s demanding or controlling – it’s because He knows that partial surrender leads to partial transformation. If He only gets access to part of your life, He can only change part of who you are. But you were created for complete transformation, not just spiritual improvement. When Jesus becomes your ultimate priority, it doesn’t mean you neglect your family, quit your job, or abandon your responsibilities. It means you approach all of these through the filter of His will and His ways. Your work becomes a place to serve Him. Your family relationships become opportunities to reflect His love. Your decisions are guided by His wisdom. The beautiful paradox is that when you stop trying to balance Jesus with everything else and instead let Him be the foundation for everything else, life actually becomes more manageable, not less. Instead of juggling competing priorities, you have one clear priority that brings order to all the rest. Jesus won’t fit into your life as you’ve designed it. But when you redesign your life around Him, everything else finds its proper place.
Bible Verse
‘Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”‘ – Luke 14:25-26
Reflection Question
What areas of your life are you still trying to keep separate from Jesus’ influence, and what would it look like to invite Him into those spaces as your ultimate priority?
Quote
“He’s not going to become another spinning plate that you’re trying to juggle in all of the affairs of your life. He must be the only plate that is spinning.” -Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
Lord, I confess that I’ve often tried to fit You into my life rather than building my life around You. Help me surrender the illusion of balance and embrace You as my ultimate priority. Show me how to view every area of my life through the lens of Your will and Your love. Amen.