Better Priorities

This powerful message challenges us to examine the foundation of our decision-making as we enter a new year. Drawing from Proverbs 1:7, we're confronted with a stark truth: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, while fools despise wisdom and instruction. But what does it mean to 'fear' a God who loves us unconditionally? The answer transforms our understanding—it's about reverence, respect, and awe, much like a parent who yells 'stop!' when a child reaches for a hot stove. That loving warning isn't meant to terrorize but to protect. When we cultivate this healthy fear of God, we position ourselves to receive His guidance in every choice we make. The sermon uses vivid imagery—from Jim Gaffigan's comedic take on Hot Pockets to birds at Niagara Falls gradually weighed down by ice until they fall—to illustrate how even small compromises can accumulate into devastating consequences. We might think 'just a little bit won't hurt,' but James 2:10 reminds us that stumbling at just one point makes us guilty of breaking the whole law. This isn't about legalism; it's about recognizing that God desires 100% of us because He's given us 100% of Himself. As we navigate 2026, the question isn't whether we can make better choices on our own willpower, but whether we'll invite God's wisdom into every decision, trusting that His ways truly lead to life.