Anne Kremer and Jennifer Hopkins played the entire opening round match of the WTA $585,000 Bausch & Lomb Championships on the wrong size tennis court. After the players complained, WTA officials measured the court, and found the service line was three feet closer than it should have been to the net. For hours, Kremer and Hopkins were in limbo wondering whether the match would have to be replayed, while WTA officials deliberated about the foul up. Finally, after six hours it was ruled the match would stand.

It would be terrible to play an entire game of any sport, and then to have the results in question, because the field of play was of the improper measurement. That would be a great disappointment. However, many face a greater disappointment in life. Countless people across this world live out their lives using the material as a measurement for the value and eternal worth of their lives.

What are your priorities in life? Is your goal the accumulation of money? Is your goal the purchase of larger and larger houses or lands? Is your goal the climbing of the corporate ladder until you stand on top? It may be that as Christians we will see those things happen in our lives, but they should not be our goals. Why? Because material things can be destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake, and even “moths.” Material things can be lost due to theft (Luke 12:33), or even forgetfulness.

What should your goals be in life? What should your priorities be in life? Jesus says it very clearly in Matthew 6:33, “seek first the Kingdom of God.” That should be our goal, our priority, and by it everything should be measured.

Have you been playing life on the wrong size court? Why not change courts before the game is over? Change your priorities; change your goals so that they meet with the approval of the Lord.