What are some basic priorities that everyone should pursue?

Exodus 16:23He told them, “This is what the Lord commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.”

Exodus 20:8-11“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”

Psalm 1:1-3Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

We should pursue the priority of obedience to God over pursuit of the “wisdom” of the world. When we obey God, we have a clear conscience and uninterrupted friendship with the Lord. We honor other people and stay out of trouble. Our priorities become clear and we don’t waste time or energy in unprofitable ways. As a river flows freely through an unblocked channel, God’s grace and provision flow through us when we are obedient to his ways.

We should pursue the priority of time with God and time to ourselves. Believe it or not, the best way to have the time we need is to devote time to God for worship and to ourselves for rest. Refuse to treat it lightly when conflicting opportunities come up. Devoting time to God gives us spiritual refreshment and the opportunity to hear his priorities for our lives. Devoting time to rest gives us physical refreshment and the energy to do what we are called to do.