Priorities of "Religious" People

All human beings struggle with establishing priorities. The criteria for doing this vary widely. Are my priorities designed to benefit "me" or "my family" or "my church" or "my community" or "the poor" or "those who are down on their luck" or "children" or "university students" or "senior citizens" or . . . ? Are my priorities "social" in nature or "emotional" or "recreational" or "financial" or "spiritual" or "global" or . . . ?

For many people who consider themselves to be "religious," priorities often fall into the realm of engaging in different kinds of "religious activities," as attending corporate worship regularly, reading the Bible daily, praying routinely, meeting in "small groups," having a role in "religious camps," sharing in "religious retreats," . . .

For many in Israel, priorities centered around offering the right sacrifice in the right way at the right time in the right order with the right words in the right place. Several biblical texts address this "mind set."

Proverbs 21:27:
"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
how much more when brought with evil intent."

Proverbs 15:8:
"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight."

Proverbs 21:3:
"To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

Psalm 51:17:
"The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

Hebrews 13:16:
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,
for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

God is much more concerned with a transformed heart and service to others than with external "religious activities."