Dear Church,

Every time you give your attention, energy, or time to something, you’re actually exchanging a piece of your life on earth for it. Why? Because your time on earth is your life on earth.

So, the question really becomes that opportunity you’re considering… that habit you’re justifying… that invitation you’re about to say “yes” to, is it worth your life?

We live in a culture that’s constantly racing. Most of us know how to make a to-do list, some of us live by it and it’s not all bad but maybe what we really need is a what-matters-most list. Because doing more doesn’t always mean living well from heaven’s perspective. In fact, doing more often distracts us from what matters most.

So how do we choose wisely?

Start by asking God what matters most to Him. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Ask God to help you see the eternal value (or lack of it) in what’s pulling at your time and attention. Then, learn to say “no.”

No to what steals our peace.
No to what doesn’t align with our purpose.
No to what doesn’t belong on the list of what matters most.

I have heard this saying “The West has the watches, but Africa has the time.” Those of us who have been to Africa know how true this is. We may know how to fill our calendars, but do we know how to enrich our lives for our good and God’s glory. Let Psalm 90:12 be your prayer this week: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” 

Here’s the truth: We don’t find time for what matters. We make it, by saying no to the wrong things so we can say yes to the right ones.

Slow down.
Seek wisdom.
Steward your time like it’s your life, because it is.

Be Encouraged,
Mathews