Several years ago, a magazine ran a "Dilbert Quotes" contest. The writers were looking for people to submit quotes from their real-life Dilbert-type managers. Here are some of the submissions:

1. As of tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday and employees will receive their cards in two weeks. (This was the winning entry; Fred Dales at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, WA)

2. What I need is a list of specific unknown problems we will encounter. (Lykes Lines Shipping)

3. E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business. (Accounting Mgr., Electric Boat Company)

4. Quote from the boss: "Teamwork is a lot of people doing what 'I' say." (Mktg. executive, Citrix Corporation)

5. We know that communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees. (AT&T Long Lines Division)

6. We recently received a memo from senior management saying, "This is to inform you that a memo will be issued today regarding the subject mentioned above." (Microsoft, Legal Affairs Division)

7. One day my boss asked me to submit a status report to him concerning a project I was working on. I asked him if tomorrow would be soon enough. He said, "If I wanted it tomorrow, I would have waited until tomorrow to ask for it!" (New Business Mgr., Hallmark Cards)

8. This project is so important, we can't let things that are more important interfere with it. (Advertising/Mktg. Mgr., UPS)

Even though that last statement doesn't make any sense, it suggests the truth that there are some things so important that nothing else should get in the way. Unfortunately for UPS (and other employers who may not realize it), that level of importance will never be attached to any project at work. It can only be attached to matters of spiritual commitment.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
(Matthew 6:33)

There is only one thing that is of "primary importance", and that should be our desire to do God's will. May God bless you in this coming year in your efforts to put "first things first."

(and a Happy New Year Too)!