I don’t know about you, but the time between Halloween and New Years always feels like it flashes by. The parties, the travel, the visiting relatives, year-end deadlines, procrastinating on buying and then wrapping gifts – it all seems to add momentum to the accelerator of time. And before you know it we’ll be in 2020.

With the additional responsibilities of the Holidays demanding our time, it’s often hard to keep priorities in perspective during November and December. We talk in F3 of Concentrica as a bullseye, with our relationship with Jesus at the center, then our M, 2.0s, friends, and finally work making the outermost ring. But how often do we find ourselves trying to justify a different order?

“I would spend time in the Word this morning, but I’ve really got to get to work.”

“I know my M had a stressful day, but I already told the guys I’d meet them for a beer.”

“We were supposed to spend time as a family tonight, but my team never gets a nationally televised game.”

We have to be on our guard because truly living third is difficult. The difference between living for God and others before ourselves, and just looking out for number 1 is often a few split-second decisions a day. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional with our choices – make them ahead of time (as much as we can) rather than in the moment. Otherwise whatever is making the most noise gets our attention, rather than what is most significant.

Scripture

• “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
• “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” – Mark 8:36
• “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24
• “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” – Ephesians 5:25

Questions for Self-Reflection

• How can I be more intentional about where my time is spent, especially when the Holidays hit?
• Who can I ask to hold me accountable when my Concentrica starts getting misaligned?
• What one thing can I do daily to keep God at the forefront of my life?
• How can I better serve my wife?