SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON - FEBRUARY 7TH

When Priorities Are Challenged

LESSON PASSAGES OUTLINE
1. What Do I Owe Government? (Mark 12:13-17)
2. What Do I Owe God? (Mark 12:28-30)
3. What Do I Owe Others? (Mark 12:31-34)

BIBLICAL TRUTH - Commentary by Darryl Wood, Pastor of Vincent First Baptist Church, Vincent, AL.

Christians have obligations to God, to others, and to their governments; but they are to give priority to God.

 Jackson responded to the doorbell at his front door. He opened it to find two men from his Sunday School class. Jackson invited them into the house. The two guests let him know they missed him on Sundays. Formerly a regular attender, Jackson had not been present in several weeks.

 After his friends departed, Jackson reflected on the visit. He noticed his Bible gathering dust on a nearby shelf. Jackson thought about his busy life. His job required more hours than ever. He tried to support his children in their various activities. Plus it was summer, and the yard needed extra attention. Jackson admitted to himself that he had allowed his priorities to change.

 Most adults struggle with the numerous duties an active lifestyle imposes on their life. Many forces work to gain their attention. Being an employee or an employer creates certain demands. Being a spouse and/or parent brings more demands. Time constraints require that people set priorities as to which obligations to meet first.

 What obligations do you include among your priorities? Where does God fit within that list?