What Matters?

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe . . . Be diligent in these matters, give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress."

1 Timothy 4:9-15

The other morning, while reading in George Beverly Shea's book: "How Sweet the Sound," he considered the song, "These Are the Things That Matter." The author, Arthur Smith, 1951, wrote the words when their son was born. These are the first and third verses:

"A heart that's concerned for a fellow man,
An ear that will hear and will understand;
An eye that will look for the best in a man;
These are the things that matter.

"To know that this life is for such a short time,
And to know there's a God and to know He's divine;
To know that He walks beside you all the time;
These are the things that matter."

What matters? Our lists will be different, but if you are a child of God we should have similar thoughts. Here are three of mine:

For my life the first thing that really matters is that I consistently live for and love God with all my heart. As it says in Mark 12:28: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

The second thing that matters is that my family members are saved by God's grace. I will pray for this until the day I go to my heavenly home.

The third thing in my life that matters is that I do what God has gifted me to do.

If I do these things I will live the life God created me for and everything else will fall into place according to His plan.

 

Just what is it that matters to you?  The prayer given at the end of the devotion is simple and to the point: "Dear Lord, teach me how to show my love for You and for my family and friends, because I want to keep my focus on 'the things that matter.'"

"Make up your mind to stay enthused, determined, and active in whatever task God gives you today. Never grow weary in doing good. It's always too soon to quit." 

David Jeremiah, Strength for Today

 

Hear George Beverly Shay sing"These Are The Things That Matter."  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Itqp2ZO7s4