Sometimes, we struggle with the day’s To Do list, trying to discern what’s the most crucial thing to do. We either put it at the top of the list or give it an “A” ranking so that we will pay attention to it first. If we are diligent, we go through that exercise every day or a few times each week.

But what about the most essential things in your personal life? Do you sometimes struggle to get those in order? If we are pressed, we will respond that the top three priorities are our faith, our family, and then our work or ministry. But do we live our lives in such a way that others can see those priorities?

Mentor and executive coach Fred Smith came up with three questions to help us probe what should be at the top of our list regarding critical priorities.

At some point in life, we face significant challenges regarding health, finances, relationships, and jobs. Challenges in these critical areas can either distract us from what God has called us to be and to do, or they can serve as a refining fire to help us eliminate the impurities or distractions.

Fred Smith says challenging times can cause us to review in these areas:

  1. We define the necessities. So much of our time and effort is spent, or we could say, wasted, in the superficialities of life.
  2. We ask ourselves, “Am I happy with who am I becoming?” It is not something you will decide “someday.” You need clarity in direction and purpose now, or “someday” will never come.
  3. We think about how we want to be remembered. Trouble makes us think about legacy. What do we want on our tombstone? By the way, Fred Smith received the phrase on his tombstone that he talked about for years. It says, “He stretched others.”

God’s Word is filled with guidance for setting our priorities.

Seek first the kingdom of God… (Matthew 6:33)

Don’t be conformed to this world… (Romans 12:2)

Commit your work to the Lord… (Proverbs 16:3)

Encourage one another and build one another up… (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

What does your list of priorities look like? Better still, what do you want written on your tombstone?

I’ve been thinking about that myself. I think I want carved on that stone what I have claimed as a guide in my life:

He loved God…and loved people.

God’s best,