The importance of anchoring oneself in divine wisdom cannot be overstated in the quest for balance amidst the whirlwind of modern life. The story of Jonah and the repentance of Nineveh stands as a testament to the efficacy of God's word and the necessity of relying on divine guidance over our understanding. This reliance is crucial in setting life's priorities, reminding us that true wisdom and direction come from a higher source.

Today's world bombards individuals with information from countless sources, such as television and smartphones. This constant influx can overwhelm and often leads to a decline in knowledge and understanding due to the rapid changes in the world. The search for wisdom should be rooted in God as the primary source rather than the ever-changing secular tools.

The secular approach to managing life's demands, exemplified by the "wellness wheel," divides life into various aspects: professional, pleasurable, mental, spiritual, emotional, and material. While these methods attempt to simplify life's complexities, they often lead to a focus on self rather than on God. Although narrowing one's focus to the immediate community and actionable information is beneficial, true wisdom aligns with scriptural teachings.

Introducing the metaphorical "spiritual pyramid," one is encouraged to prioritize the intake of information that aligns with scripture. At the base of this pyramid are scripture and the sacraments, followed by prayer, considered the most important sources of wisdom and guidance. Social media and the internet, while part of our lives, should be sampled the least, as they can distract from the focus on God.

The importance of the sacraments in the Lutheran faith, particularly absolution and baptism, is underscored. These sacraments are seen as a means to receive forgiveness of sins and the mind of Christ, respectively. They help individuals make good decisions and prioritize their lives according to Christ's teachings.

As one enters a new year and works on prioritization, the call is to give God undivided attention, seek Him out in prayer, and turn to Him first before considering secular tools. This approach is said to decrease anxiety and bring balance to life. Public figures like Coach Harbaugh illustrate the importance of seeking God's discernment in decision-making.

The message is clear: begin with God and His word when creating priorities in life. The church community is highlighted as a source of collective support for believers. The ultimate goal is to align with God's purposes and seek His will in all that one does, trusting that He will guide every step.

Key Takeaways:

- True wisdom and direction in setting life's priorities come from relying on divine guidance, as shown by the story of Jonah and Nineveh.

- Filtering the modern deluge of information through the lens of God's wisdom is essential, as well as seeking actionable and relevant knowledge to our immediate communities and God-given responsibilities.

The "spiritual pyramid" model encourages believers to focus on God's word and be cautious of the time and attention spent on social media and other less informative sources of information.

- The sacraments in the Lutheran tradition are instrumental in helping believers make decisions that reflect Christ's priorities and align with God's will for their lives.

- Seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life ensures that one's path is aligned with divine purpose and supported by the collective wisdom of the faith community.