I am not very good at time management. There are a lot of things out there competing for my attention—especially as a college student. I often over prioritize too much in one area and not enough in others. My attention shifts too quickly or not at all. The reasoning behind that is because I want to experience all of the good things my school has to offer. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can become dangerous when I’m depending on these temporary things for my joy and fulfillment.
In John 6, Jesus miraculously fed thousands of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. The next day, the crowd went searching for Him again. But when they found Him, Jesus called them out for what they were really looking for. They’d experienced a true miracle, but their focus was on the bread. They were seeking out Jesus because He gave them something that satisfied their immediate needs.
Jesus wanted to give them so much more than that.
He tells them, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.” The bread Jesus gave to them relieved their hunger, but of course they became hungry again. Jesus is pointing them to something that will never leave them empty.
We do this every day. We’re constantly chasing after the bread that perishes. We say, “Once I accomplish this, I will be satisfied. Once I have enough money, once I finish this project, once they see what I’ve done…I will feel complete.” Enough is never actually enough for us. We are always chasing after the next thing. We eventually grow hungry again.
Isaiah 55:2 asks a question that targets this exact lesson: “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?”
What are you spending your life on that cannot satisfy you?
Resetting our priorities does not mean that the things we care about and desire do not matter. I want you to know that the Lord cares for the things you care for. He desires an abundant life for you—-but that means putting those desires in their rightful place. The things in your life that bring you joy can be gifts from God, but they can be terrible replacements of Him.
Jesus offers us something this world simply cannot. Where the world gives us temporary satisfaction, He gives eternal life. Where the accomplishments offer temporary significance, He gives us an identity that cannot be shaken. Where possessions offer temporary security, He gives us a hope that reaches beyond this life.
Your life moves in the direction of the things that hold your attention. The question is whether what you value will still matter when everything temporary is gone.
Sometimes resetting our priorities means taking a look at where our time, energy, and thoughts are being poured out. Ask yourself, “Is this drawing me closer to Jesus, or am I asking something temporary to give me what only He can provide?”
The things of this world will eventually run out. Jesus won’t.
Our priorities aren’t always revealed by what we say matters to most of us. They’re often revealed by what consistently receives our attention, time, and affection. Let’s take an honest look at what we’ve been pursuing lately.
You don’t have to abandon every earthly goal. Instead, bring those goals before God and allow Him to put them in their proper place. Ask Him to show you what is worth chasing.
Lord, thank you for offering me something that this world never can. Forgive me for the times I’ve chased temporary things and expected them to satisfy what only you can fulfill. Reveal the places in my life where my priorities have drifted and help me to put you back at the center. Teach me to enjoy the good things you have given me, without allowing them to take your place. Direct my time, energy, and desires toward the things that matter eternally. Above all, give me a deeper hunger for you. Amen.
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