First Things First

Mr. Wagner walked to the whiteboard in his Sunday school classroom. "Tell me, boys--what should be the really important things in your lives?" The boys began to call out answers--church, Jesus, family, friends, Bible study, prayer--and Mr. Wagner wrote the words on the board.

"All right," he said. "That's a great list." He moved to another part of the board. "Now, let's make a different list. What are your hobbies? What activities do you especially enjoy?"

Answers came quickly, amid much laughter and excitement--TV, video games, movies, music, sports. Mr. Wagner even added a few suggestions of his own. Then he stepped back and looked at the two lists. "Tell me now," he said, "which list takes up most of your time?"

It was pretty quiet for a few seconds. Several of the boys looked a bit embarrassed; some slid down in their chairs. Jordan finally said what most of them were thinking. "I guess we're not spending much time on the things that are most important."

Mr. Wagner nodded. "If