Sunday, July 28, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

The Important Things

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I recently went to the visitation for a man who was actually a virtual stranger to me. My decision to go was to be supportive to the family members that I did know. As I was standing in a line that literally wrapped around the building, it was evident that this person had truly touched a multitude of lives during his lifetime.

As I pondered on the things that I learned about him, I realized that his life was truly a reflection of today's verse. He definitely allowed his light to shine in the lives of everyone that he touched. AND by doing so, he was able to bring glory to our God.

Maya Angelou once wisely stated: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Isn't this so true of our encounters with others? When we focus on the needs of those placed in our lives while doing our best to exemplify the Jesus that they so desperately require, our light will shine in such a way to bring glory to Him.

However, in order to shine that light, we have to be focused on our eternal purpose rather than worrying about ridiculous things that have no significance in God's plans for each our lives. I have a terrible habit of asking one of my co-workers to PLEASE tidy up my office in the event that something unexpected ever happens to me. She just laughs and tells me not to worry about anything.

I appreciate her reminder that God does not want me to be concerned about such insignificant things! Instead, He wants me to focus my energies on the things that WILL make an eternal difference.

I challenge you today to operate in the truth that while God does want us to do all things properly and orderly that He also gives us the liberty to leave some things undone to focus on THE IMPORTANT THINGS - the things that will cause others to see HIS GLORY in US.

Dear Lord, Please help me to always focus on the things of value to Your Kingdom. Help me to discern the difference between distractions and what You have ordained me to accomplish.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.