What are the Non-negotiables in my life?

Lately, I’ve come to realise that in line with Maslow’s postulation of the hierarchy of needs that all of us seek to fulfil, we all have a hierarchy of priorities and things we hold dear in our lives.


The interesting thought that follows is “Where does Jesus sit in that list?”

Instead of thinking of airy fairy terms like self-actualisation, and self - esteem needs, let’s think of a list of things we hold dear in our daily lives.

1. Sleep (I’m too tired to do my QT today; I’ve got to wake early for work/sch tmr)

2. Meeting up with friends (It’s my friends 21st Bday party! Once in a lifetime! But don’t we all turn 16, 19, 25 once too?)

3. School / Work / CCAs (preparing for ‘N’s? then what, ‘O’s? then? Promos? ‘A’s? Poly Term exam? Uni exams? Project week? Rushing an urgent assignment at work?)
– There is never a better time to serve the Lord than now.

4. Shopping / World Cup Finals!

5. DOTA online!! / SIMS 2 / Winning Eleven

6. Time with Bf/Gf.

Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying all these are bad, in fact, God probably intended for many of these to give us rest and make living a lil more bearable and enjoyable. (apart from being in some secluded mountains praying the entire day, satiated in the Lord – which I believe can be as satisfying if not more!)

Just listing examples of the list of priorities and the concept of non-negotiability in our decisions.

E.g. I got a class test tomorrow so I think I’ll give mass a miss today. (Perfectly justified reason, but let’s realise that the non-negotiable in this case is the class test that we can’t fail.)

E.g. 2 Okie, I know there is some church retreat coming up, but next week’s camp in school is a once in a lifetime opportunity and its gonna be fun! (Can you spot the non-negotiable in this case?)

E.g. 3 If God had intended for us to be together, I’m sure He’ll understand if we take one day off to have a nice dinner/ catch a movie? (Again…)

The objective of this post is not to take you(my lovely readers and brothers and sisters in Christ) on some guilt trip but just to instil a greater awareness of the question

“What is the non-negotiable in my life?”

A short sharing before I end this reflection.

A topic that has been popping up in my mind every now and then is that of going overseas on an exchange program. (Visiting all the nice places, being ‘immersed’ in a different culture, enjoying the slower pace of life, taking time to recollect my life’s journey, being independent – all the pros that ppl always herald of an overseas experience) It’s a difficult decision! Cos it seems like if I don’t go now, I will never go in my undergraduate life. Fact. I may never go overseas as an undergrad. Fact. I can always go post-grad, who knows? Perhaps to Hillsongs College! Or to do a degree in theology /Youth Works? God’s the wiser really.

What’s clear, after reflection and prayer, is that the non-negotiables in my life now are my family, my parents, my brother and the stage of life we’re at. Home is where I’m called to be, where I’m needed, and also who’s love and support I need. Another is my ministry in Zion’s Joy and in God’s plans! I know full well that going on exchange would jeopardise and put on hold the above two priorities.

'if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me'. - Luke 9:23

“Lord, I know the plans You have for me, plans to prosper, not disaster. Help me to respond in love for You and Your people, that I may truly be who You created me to be.”

Rhino No. 7