Balancing Life's Demands: A New Perspective on Priorities

by J. Grant Howard

Everywhere we turn there are choices to be made. Like many people, you may set your priorities by making a mental God first; family second; church third. But, according to Dr. J. Grant Howard, "Lists of priorities don't make sense. They can't be lived out."

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1983

Reviews

[Willemina Barber-Wixtrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its central idea, that most Western Christians think in terms of sequential priorities even though a healthy, balanced, biblical life should not function according to lists, is a good one. We do not have a priority first to the church, then to our families, then to the world, but the faithful Christian life sees us emphasize all of these things together as interconnected needs for us to seek after.

However, his "case studies" toward the end lose some traction and begin to tirelessly reiterate the good idea Howard exposited at the beginning without adding much insight, especially since his work is very dated to the early 21st century.

Still, it highlights an important need, especially for young up-and-coming seminarians who are entering a field rampant with burnout

[Darrell Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

the old adage of JOY, Jesus first Others second Yourself third, is both impractical and unbiblical... though it sounds nice and is catchy. Howard emphasizes Paul would have been dumbfounded to list the priorities of the Christian life, instead saying there is a circle, like a pie, but Christ is the center of the life, I as a follower am in a circle surrounding him and there are 5 components of life: family, church, work, neighbors and government... and essentially all 5 are equal responsibilities, albeit some will demand greater time at various points in life.

very practical and helpful book

[Michael Longson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book on establishing good biblical priorities in life. The author addresses some of the fallacies of the traditional understanding of priorities. It's well worth the time to read it.

[Robert Alejandro]

ITS GOOD AND MOST INTELLECTUAL TO LEARN ABOUT TO GROW FAITH INTO OUR GOD