In the 1960s, Charles Hummel wrote a small book that quickly became popular with business leaders—especially with Christian business leaders. Tyranny of the Urgent taught that our greatest danger in life is allowing the urgent things to crowd out the things that are most important.

I remember reading that small booklet as a young, busy mom and pastor’s wife. God used Hummel’s words to speak better priorities into my life. Our lives are easily consumed by those things that are urgent. Our calendars tell us where to go and when to get there. Our work schedules drive our choices. The physical needs of our family can often take precedence over their spiritual needs. The same is true in our own lives.

Christians are often tempted to live with the urgent priorities the world suggests rather than submit to the important priorities God has given us in his word. Our children’s souls matter more than their grades. Our treasure in heaven matters more than our bank accounts. Our ministries matter more than our hobbies. Sometimes urgent priorities control our lives and our time more than what matters most.

God’s first commandment was, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Sometimes we think that because we aren’t part of a cult, we don’t have another god. We need to define an idol as Scripture defines it. An idol, a false god, is anything that controls your choices other than God.

Our wrong priorities can become false gods in our lives when we honor them with our time instead of fulfilling all that God would call us to accomplish. When urgent things control our choices, we have stepped away from the important relationship of God as our King. 

Are there some false gods in your life, urgently demanding your time and focus? 

Now is a good time to examine your priorities in light of all that God has said is important. God’s priorities are wisdom. What idols should you delete so that you can live wisely submitted to your King?