What really matters anyway?

What do they think about me? Ever wonder that? What do people really say about me when I am not around them? The better question might be: Should it really matter that much?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (MATTHEW 6:19-21)

Let's face it, as a Christ follower . . . a genuine, dedicated, hard-core follower of Jesus Christ, we can do absolutely nothing when it comes to others' opinions of us! We can try to impress this one and that one with our efforts only to be misunderstood and misrepresented by someone else, ruining our efforts to please others. 

What really matters anyway?

People's opinions of us will vary like the weather. Who knows us better than God? We can do all we can to make sure we do all the right things here on earth only to find out none of it matters. Only what we do for Christ will last! We must set our hearts and minds on the things of Christ and seek to please Him alone.

Where is our heart today . . . with others or with Christ? What really matters?

I can't fix everything!

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42)

 I can't fix everything! Man, if I could only realize that before I start trying to fix everything! How much frustration and anguish would I avoid? God is in control, not me!

Like Martha, I get distracted by this world and all the things that are wrong with it.I  have to learn to focus on the things that matter . . . spending time with God, family and the things that impact eternity. Getting things done over quality time with God and people is not the proper choice. Checking off my to-do list rather than helping someone in need is just wrong. 

Fix me Lord so I can learn that I cannot fix me or everything else wrong with this world! Cause my focus to be upon you and others.

Keep the main thing the main thing.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (Jude 20-23)

These are definitely the worst of times . . . and yes, the best of times. I try daily to please God, but with all the stuff going on around me . . . it is tough. As a life coach/teacher, it is challenging to stay focused upon God and His will when so many lies are being floated around and so many are accepting these lies. It becomes difficult to teach and model Truth, when so many are living examples of the lies of Satan.

I must remind myself to keep the main thing the main thing. I have to see the world as God does; sick, depraved and in need of help . . . the help only Jesus can offer! When others doubt me and my words . . . even the Words of Jesus Himself, I still must stay focused. Many times my motives and methods are questioned, yet I simply want to see people . . . especially our youth . . . come to know and serve Christ. It can be depressing indeed. I have to stay focused upon His will and His presence. It can get lonely doing His will when others don't get it.

I must keep the main thing the main thing!

Are we able to turn away from the things of the world?

 To what am identified? To what or whom are we committed? Is it this life and all the amenities of it or eternal lfe and our relationship with Christ? Are we able to turn away from the things of the world to really follow Christ?

In the bible, there was a rich young ruler who thought he was doing all the right things, yet he could not commit to follow Jesus. We read that he went away sad! How many of us would be in the same situation? Would we go away sad? Will we go away sad when facing our Judge?

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:21-23)

As we close out Lent this Holy Week, looking toward clebrating Passover and the institution of the New Coveneant in Christ, let's examine our relationship with Him. Are we committed? Are we "all in"? What might be holding us back?

We will never get everything done . . .

 Work is difficult. Ever since sin entered the world, our labor has become tiresome, but not in vain! As Christ followers, we must realize that though we will never get everything done, what we do work at should always be for the Lord!

We all have our to-do lists and agendas. Items pop up on our calendars each and every morning. We are reminded on our tablets, laptops and phones throughout the day. However, time usually runs out before the tasks are completed. 

Striving to please God daily, we will find joy. Knowing it is Him for whom we labor allows the heart to rest at the end of the day. Focus on the main thing . . . pleasing God! Leave the rest to Him.

     . . .being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ . . . (Philippians 1:6)