Most of you tell me you feel overwhelmed, but also like you’re not doing enough. For the last few years, I’ve used a filter to align my priorities. Here’s my 4-part, 8-word life filter. Part #1 Love God. In everything God may be glorified (1 Peter 4:11). You want more whatever, but you’re already busy. Jesus didn’t come to earth with a 90-day agenda. He depended on His Father for direction. Fight overwhelm by prioritizing God’s wants over yours. Loving God should refine your life. Part #2 Serve April. Keep loving one another earnestly…without grumbling (1 Peter 4:8-9). Lack of direction? FYI, April’s my wife. Insert your wife’s name here! How do you love your wife? Serve your wife. The word here is agape—love that’s given whether returned or not—actions over words. But when you speak, you never grumble. Part #3 Disciple Boys. Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers (1 Peter 4:7). Distractions happen. Work/family schedules rarely breed connection. Guard your schedule and your prayers. As you’re cutting distractions, focus on prayer. God will put what’s most important on your mind/heart. Part #4 Bless Others. Each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10). Feel like you’re not measuring up? Seek contentment. Be grateful for what you’ve been given. When in doubt, use your gifts to serve others.

WHAT IS WISDOM IN THE BIBLE? Maybe you’ve been called a “wise guy” in a way that wasn’t exactly a compliment. Well, here’s something you should know: Your heavenly Father really does want you to be a wise guy in the very best sense of the term. He wants you to learn about the wisdom He reveals in His Word, and He wants you to know how to apply it to your life each day. If you’re ready to learn what the Bible has to say about walking in wisdom, we’ve shared seven key truths to get you started on your journey.

FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH PRIORITIES: As Christian men, we know there’s a distinction between what’s important and what’s urgent. In our heads, we understand the dangers of letting the things that scream the loudest steal our attention from the things that matter most. Unfortunately, our lives don’t always reflect a proper balance between the two. In this episode, we’ll examine one key for bringing some order to the chaos that creeps into our lives: setting priorities. If you’re struggling to keep the main thing the main thing in your life, we’ll give you some practical tools for finding purpose by establishing solid priorities.

“Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God.” —Oswald Chambers

“You can’t serve God and money.” —Jesus

“We need to make sure our activities and our attitudes line up with what pleases God first and foremost. Wherever we focus our attention the most will become the driving force in our lives.” —Lysa TerKeurst

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” —St. Augustine

Pick your priority. By definition “priority” is one thing. You have 168 hours per week. 50-60hrs working. 8hrs commuting. 56hrs sleeping. Leaves 40ish-hrs/week or 6hrs/day for your wife/kids/friends/church. Are you overwhelmed yet? When I’m considering a decision, especially about my time, I ask: Does it help me LOVE GOD? Does it help me SERVE APRIL? Does it help me DISCIPLE my BOYS? Does it help me BLESS OTHERS? I rarely get it perfect, but this filter has helped a ton. You don’t have to use mine, but you probably need one. What filter will you use this week?

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

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