Priorities

 The dawning of a new year is traditionally a time for people to reflect on the past and make resolutions for the future. It is in that spirit that I offer this post.

In order to make meaningful resolutions, it is important to first think about one's priorities. What is most important to you? What motivates you? Where do you want to go? What do you want to become and then to accomplish - not only in the coming year, but in the long-term? Answering such questions honestly can reveal much to oneself. It can help you also focus on what tenets, philosophies, approaches, and actions will bring you the greatest return on your investment toward achieving your desired ends. It is, of course, my hope that anyone reading this has goals and heart-felt desires that are truly good, not merely for self, but for their families, friends and all people the world over. And to that end, I would propose that one consider some of the suggested priorities listed in scripture. 

Perhaps the most important to start with is one that has been established by God himself. He set the example of establishing a mission statement - a set of priorities, goals and purposes that would guide and define the actions he would take (and not take) as he moved forward. In the Book of Moses, a revelation given to Joseph Smith that restored portions of Moses' experiences that are no longer present in the Bible because of time and imperfections of transmission, God states the following:

The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine. And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words. For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:37-39)

I find the highlighted passage to be the epitome of mission statements. In a short few words, it encapsulates priorities, motives, desires and purpose. It can be used to guide and direct all subsequent activities - spoken, written, spiritual or physical - and indicates a determination to continue with the past activities, they having proven to be worthwhile. 

In connection with this mission statement is another restored truth which comes to us through the Book of Abraham, a translation by Joseph Smith of an ancient Egyptian papyrus that came into his possession. As recorded in that account Abraham was shown a great council in heaven when God was planning for mankind's opportunity to obtain physical bodies, gain experience, and learn through that experience to determine between good and evil.

And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou was chosen before thou wast born, And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell. And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them... (Abr 3:23-25)

This is God setting a goal for us, a purpose, a priority, but it is done with an implicit understanding that we are allowed to use our moral agency to choose it, not choose it, or reject it, for ourself. Is this not, then, a great place to start for our personal reflection each year? A guide to assessing how we are doing? An incentive to help us set our direction, desires and purposes? It naturally brings to mind the episode found in Mark 10 and Luke 18 of the rich man. He came to Jesus honestly questioning what he could do to inherit eternal life - a righteous and worthy goal directly in line with God's own mission statement. He wanted guidance on what he could to do to obtain it. From Luke 18:18-22

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

The episode is instructive in a number of ways. The approach was correct. If we lack wisdom in determining our course, come and ask God (see James 1:5). Be ready to do what is required, building on what we have already made a pattern for life that is known to be right and good. Be ready for counsel and correction. The ultimate counsel from Jesus in this story was for the rich man. Jesus saw what was missing, what he still needed. It was perhaps the hardest thing for him to face, likely thinking of himself as a good person having kept the other commandments and apparently materially rewarded in life for doing so. Jesus respected that. In Mark, it says that Jesus looked on him, loving him after he confirmed that he was keeping the commandments laid out. But there was still a corner of his heart that was not whole and Jesus presented it to him so that he could face it head on. This was his personal test. The rich man had his heart set on his riches. They were taking a precedence over what he claimed to be seeking and it was necessary to set them aside and put them in their proper context. Ultimately, this seemed to be too much for the man, as he went away sorrowing "for he was very rich." (Luke 18:23) The immediate treasure on earth was more important than the ultimate treasure that God was ready to provide. We don't know if the rich man ever found it in himself to do what was asked of him. We can hope that he did, but it is instructive that change takes courage, commitment, and may take time and multiple attempts to achieve.

And achieving our goals is not easy. If they are, those goals are probably not worth or worthy of our time. One does not obtain self-improvement, become a better person, or do good in the world by staying where we are comfortable. We have to be ready to stretch our minds, our spirits, our muscles, to commit our resources of time and means and effort. And so we can expect that as we strive to reach our goals it will be challenging. If we are wise enough to put God as our ultimate priority, we can expect that the commandments will likewise be challenging to keep in their fullness. 

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matt 22:35-40) 

These are not easy commandments. There is so much in life that is important, alluring, desirable, and distracting. But even the important and the good need to take a second place to God in our heart and our life or we cannot keep the commandments and at a future day honestly report that we have tried our best. This does not mean we need to become overzealous, but it does mean to be determined and consistent. Being a disciple and a witness of God at all times can be done without great fanfare (in fact Jesus frequently denounces those who do it with fanfare, as a "virtue signal," or with hypocrisy) by simply dedicating self each day to try to do good to others, to select the commandments of God when the choice is before us, to strive to be honest, to be caring, compassionate, just, gracious, merciful, or patient.  

When considering the return on investment of our time and effort, we really should consider the long term. We sometimes get so enamored with the shiny things of the world, with the visually appealing, with the easy and quick fix, that we become distracted from the things of true worth - God who watches over us, the love of family and friends, peace in life that abides even in a strifeful world, joy that only comes to the penitent, the kind, the generous. 

We have needs to be addressed. So do others. But there is a promise that if we will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, what we stand in need of will be provided (see Matt 6:24-34) though it will require effort on our part. As things currently work, needs are often addressed with money, so it is currently a necessity in this world. But it is a seductive and demanding temptress that pulls hearts away from meaningful endeavors and from God. As such Paul clearly states that the love of money is the root of all evil. Greed, lust for power, worldly fashions and illicit relations pull men to wayward and forbidden paths. Putting first - absolutely first - the kingdom of God and his righteousness is ultimately the only safe priority and path. From there we can build and achieve other worthwhile and meaningful things. There is much good that can be done by a person who has money if they will choose to do so. Consider this counsel of the prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon:

Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good - to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. (Jacob 2:17-19)

Please note that this is giving counsel for the individual, what they can do with their own substance, how they can personally alleviate suffering of others, to help them when they need help. If individuals were to do this, any needed collective efforts would only be to help coordinate and honestly administer the willing efforts and contributions of the individuals. And when considering such things, we should perhaps keep in mind the promise and perspective provided by the Savior of mankind: "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt 25:40; see vss. 31-46). This was also individual approbation.

I hope these thoughts get the mental juices flowing if you are considering or re-considering your goals and plans for the coming year. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous (in all the meanings of that term) 2026.