Focus on valuable and important matters

“Take a close look at everything, test it, then cling to what is good.”
(1st Thessalonians 5:21). (Voice)

Stephen Covey, was an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker said, “Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.” We often give attention to urgent matters but not necessarily important matters.

Every one of us has 24 hours in a day. No one has more than or less than 24 hours in a day. Life becomes busier as you grow into adulthood. Your career, spouse, children, parents, church and the list goes on. How do you manage your time wisely and most effectively? People generally think they do not have enough time to finish doing all they are required to do, don’t they?

We are unable to do all the things and meet all people’s expectations. Often this results in sadness. Remember, God knows this and the truth is this -He does not expect you to do all things. Our today’s Bible insight says, “Take a close look at everything, test it, then cling to what is good.” You are expected to take a look and evaluate everything by testing it and then cling to do what is good. To prioritize you need to figure out what are the most important matters. Certain things last for a long time or forever. You need to evaluate what is valuable and not valuable. What lasts long and what does not last long. First things always should come first, second thing should come second, third should come third, etc.

What is the most worthwhile or valuable matter? When you think about it, you know there is no guaranty that you would see next year or even the next day. Therefore it is essential you need to prepare for death and eternity. Bible says in Amos 4:12, “prepare to meet your God.” God created, designed, and fashioned you inside the womb of your mother (Psalms 139) and gave breath into your nostrils. He knows how long you are going to live here. But you do not know. Your life is a gift from God. You belong to God and one day when you would die you meet God who gave your life on this planet earth. Preparation for death to meet with God must be the number one priority of your life now.

How do I prepare to meet God is by accepting Jesus Christ into your life because God gave His Son to die in your place for all of your sins. When you repent of your sins and place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ then you are prepared to meet God at the time of your death not based on your good karma or works, but because Christ paid for your sins and you accepted Him, the most valuable gift you could ever receive in your lifetime.

Secondly, God gave you the capacity to choose. Bible says in Job 34:3-4, “‘the ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods. So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.” Your ear tests the word you hear, doesn’t it? Your mouth distinguishes different types of foods. In the same way, you choose for yourselves what is right and learn to do what is good.

Remember, you cannot do all things. You cannot please all people. God does not expect it either. He wants you to test and discern what is worthwhile and important. You discover what is most important for your life now. Did you ever take time to sit down and make a note of what is the first important thing, the second important thing, and the third and fourth important things in your life? Even if you only do a few things, that must bring glory to God and help others to know and experience God.

Your first allegiance must be to God and his kingdom. This is what I know for sure because Jesus said in Matthew 6, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” You must know you have the freedom and capacity to prioritize things in your life. Take a close look and then discern what is more valuable and vital for your life. Reading the Bible, prayer, and counsel of good Christians would help you to figure out correctly the most important and worthwhile things for your life. Then invest your time and energy into those items. You need to decide and choose what is important to you. Then only you would be able to do what you want to do with your life.

Do not worry about too many things that can potentially destroy, distract your peace and joy in the Lord. Focus on God’s essentials and important matters. Focus on healthy and uplifting relationships and those who can build you up spiritually. There are many (even closer people) that can distract and destroy your freedom in Christ. You would figure out their words and attitudes can hurt and bruise you. Prayerfully move on with God’s plan and God’s people who would love and encourage you to focus on God’s high calling in your life. You have the freedom in Christ to build your life based on God’s unique calling in your life.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, give me the discerning ability to choose the right and good things in my life. I know the first important thing is accepting your gift of Jesus Christ who died and rose again in my place for all of my sins. I understand I have the capacity and freedom to choose. Help to choose the most worthwhile things which would bring glory to you in my short life here on earth. Help me to invest for eternity. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.”