What Really Matters

We’re reminded that what really matters in life is God’s will, not passing trends.

“You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears … then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’”—James 4:14–15 NASB

Attendees at a major media conference in 2006 were caught up in events they considered important, with conversations dominated by words like branding and integration.

But when that same conference was held in 2008, the buzzwords from 2006 no longer seemed important. The world was different, and these media experts were dealing with concepts that hadn’t occurred to them just two years earlier—issues like recession, social media, and the iPhone.

This is typical of life. We plan and act on events as we understand them, often failing to remember that no one knows what will happen in the future.

James urged us to remember that we are “just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” In eternity, we’ll look back at and be amazed at what occupied our attention and caused us to worry.

What should our focus be? Seeking God. Investing our lives in His Kingdom and the things that will last. Understanding His Word. Acquiring His wisdom. Pleasing Him. Trusting Him to bring us fulfillment, peace, and joy.

Things that seem important right now may soon fade. Make sure that you trust in God and commit your ways to Him. Let Him direct your path and give you the right focus.

Reflection Question: Are your priorities aligned with what truly matters to God?