Priorities

I went to the library to work on the book yesterday and was going great guns when the library started to fill up with teenagers who were coming in after school. Surrounded by young high school kids, they began to do what young kids do - talk and carry on. Now, I was much more interested in finishing what I was writing and concentrating on the creative act. They were much more interested in one another and the creative interaction that goes on between carefree young people. Who was right?
I sat and watched them for a while. They were happy, full of themselves, and were doing the one priority that was most important to them - relating to one another. I listened as the volume in the library increased as others, mostly adults, who had been talking quietly, increased the volume in order to continue their conversations. The librarian came over and tried to get the kids to calm it down, but to little success. I guess you could say they were in the wrong because it was a library and they were supposed to be quiet. There was a part of me that felt that way. But there was also a part of me that was happy they were in the library and at least one of them was doing some homework.
Ah, priorities. Most of the conflicts in the church (and in life) come from differing priorities. One person believes fervently that this issue is the most important issue in the life of the church. Others have differing opinions. People look at the pastor and point out what he is not doing (or what is not happening in the life of the church) and they say he isn't doing the job. Meanwhile he is working hard but with differing priorities. Who is right?
I'm not sure that's the right question. Unity in the church is based on several things. Neither of which is that we have the exact same priorities. As a matter of fact, the Body is made of people gifted by God with differing priorities - they are called spiritual gifts. Unity is based on the fact that we all do our part to accomplish God's priorities and not just complain that others aren't doing what we think is the most important priority. Our differing priorities are not bones of contention, they are building blocks of God's vision for the church. So, let's all do our part to help accomplish what needs to be done. If you see something that is important and not being done, do it - don't complain about it not getting done. If you see something happening, join in and make it work.
Ultimately, I got written what I needed to write and the kids got done what they needed to do. The library still is standing, the world is still revolving around the sun. I must always keep in mind that what others have as a priority may not be my priority - and that's OK.