What Really Matters
I usually wake up pretty early in the morning. I decided to “sleep in” this morning and get a little extra rest. My wife gives me a hard time because “sleeping in” to me is 7 AM. I love the morning. I enjoy seeing the sun come up and the beginning of a new day. I started spending time with the Lord in the morning several years ago now and He and I have some great conversations. I enjoy hearing from Him through His Word. This one change in my schedule has really changed my perspective on my day and any struggles that come my way.
This morning I came across one my favorite prayers of Paul. I used to share this scripture when I visited someone who was in the hospital or recovering at home or simply needed an encouraging word. Check this out…
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:9-11 NLT)
I need to let this prayer settle all over me. I need to keep growing in knowledge, understanding and insight. What really matters is knowing Jesus and living a pure and blameless life for the rest of my life or until He comes back. I want my life to reflect His character that He produced in me because of His Presence in me.
I know that breathing, eating, sleeping, earning a living, having a place to call home matters to me. These things (yes including my life here) are secondary to my pursuit of knowing the Lord and pursuing His heart. My heart was refreshed as I read this prayer and remembered how I had used this back in the days of my student ministry. I love the words, “what really matters” because it clarifies the things that matter less. These three words MUST shape my choices every day of my life.
Pressing On!
Dwayne