The Universal Law of Losing the Things You Love: Prioritizing First Things First

How to Lose the Things You Love: A Universal Law of Human Experience

Have you ever lost something that you cherished dearly? Maybe it was a relationship, a job, a possession, or an activity that brought you joy. Losing something we love can be a painful experience, but it can also teach us valuable lessons about life and our priorities.

In a 1942 essay, C.S. Lewis offered a “universal law” of human experience that explains why we often lose the things we love. This law can help us understand why we sometimes make choices that lead to loss and how we can prioritize the things that truly matter in life.

The Universal Law of Human Experience

Lewis’s universal law of human experience states that “every preference of a small good to a great, or partial good to a total good, involves the loss of the small or partial good for which the sacrifice is made.” In other words, when we value something that is lesser or partial over something that is greater or total, we end up losing the lesser or partial good as well.

For example, imagine that you value your job more than your family. You prioritize working long hours and advancing your career over spending time with your spouse and children. Eventually, your family relationships suffer, and you may even lose your job due to burnout or neglecting important responsibilities. In this case, valuing your job over your family leads to losing both your job and your family.

Likewise, if you prioritize pleasure or comfort over responsibility or self-discipline, you may end up losing your health, relationships, or opportunities. If you prioritize material possessions over generosity or contentment, you may end up losing your financial stability or your sense of purpose.

Lewis’s law of firsts and seconds applies to all areas of life, whether it’s our relationships, our work, our hobbies, or our spiritual lives. When we put first things first, we gain both the first and second things. But when we put second things first, we lose both the first and second things.

Putting First Things First

So what are the “first things” that we should prioritize in life? According to the Bible, the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). This means that our relationship with God should be our top priority, above all other loves or desires.

Jesus also taught that we should seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). In other words, when we prioritize God’s kingdom and his righteousness, he will provide for our needs and bless us in ways that we could never achieve on our own.

What are some practical ways that we can put God first in our lives? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Spend time in prayer and Bible study.

Make a habit of spending time each day in prayer and reading the Bible. This will help you grow in your relationship with God and learn more about his character and his will for your life.

2. Attend church and fellowship with other believers.

Regularly attending church and spending time with other Christians can help you stay accountable in your faith, receive encouragement and support, and use your spiritual gifts to serve others.

3. Serve others in love.

One of the best ways to show your love for God is to serve others in his name. Look for opportunities to volunteer at your church, serve in your community, or help those in need.

4. Give generously and sacrificially.

Generosity is a hallmark of the Christian faith, and giving sacrificially can help us trust God more fully with our finances and resources. Look for ways to give to your church, support missions and ministries, or help those in need.

The Blessings of Putting First Things First

When we put God first in our lives, we experience the blessings of his love, grace, and provision. We also gain a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and joy, as we align our lives with his will and his kingdom.

Jesus promised that those who seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness will receive all these things (Matthew 6:33). This doesn’t mean that we will necessarily have all the material possessions or worldly success that we desire, but it does mean that God will provide for our needs and bless us in ways that are far greater than anything we could achieve on our own.

When we prioritize God’s kingdom and his righteousness, we also experience greater peace, hope, and contentment, as we trust in his sovereignty and his goodness. We can rest in the assurance that God is working all things together for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28).

Conclusion

Losing the things we love can be a painful experience, but it can also teach us valuable lessons about life and our priorities. C.S. Lewis’s universal law of human experience reminds us that when we value something that is lesser or partial over something that is greater or total, we end up losing both the lesser and greater things.

But when we put first things first and prioritize our relationship with God above all other loves or desires, we gain the blessings of his love, grace, and provision. We also gain a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and joy, as we align our lives with his will and his kingdom.

So let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, trusting that he will provide for our needs and bless us in ways that are far greater than anything we could achieve on our own.