What Really Matters?
Those who know me will say that I am a chronic perfectionist. I think that one of my biggest hinderances in life has been my own critique and harshness towards myself. On one hand, at least I care. At least I want to be a good person and want to do everything with excellency. On the other hand, perfection is impossible and constantly loading my brain with tasks and goals that I will fail to completely accomplish is only detrimental for my self-esteem.
I have been overwhelmed particularly in these recent days. I thought about when my own children come into this world, God willing, and who I want to be by then. There is so much that I want to work on before I have kids. I want a more stable bank account, better health, better habits and routines. I want to create a Godly atmosphere in my home, get closer to my wife, etc. I want to establish who we are as a family. These are good things that I feel like I lacked growing up that I need to provide for my own children.
I have had issues with overeating and weight for most of my life, especially my adult life. I have been losing weight since the beginning of this year, which is amazing, but I have put too much pressure on myself to be productive towards that goal every single day. I feel like a failure if I fail to pray with my wife, wake up early before work (sometimes at 2AM) to pray over my day and life and those around me, study Spanish and French, clean the house, work towards my writing career, I mean the list is exhausting.
Why do I chase these things? I must remind myself that satisfaction comes from one, true source.
This is what God has put on my mind today:
“Martha, Martha,” The Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41-42 NIV
Jesus is basically saying, “you don’t need to worry about all that, only one thing is necessary.” Of course, Jesus is talking about Himself. It’s so easy to get caught up in financial planning, family planning, personal goals, or even just getting through each night that you forget what this is all really about. All of my goals were noble, yes, and they can be products of a heart for God, yet all of these things will eventually fade. If I don’t first put my energy and attention to my personal relationship with God, nothing else matters.
As a supporting verse:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” - Matthew 6:33 NIV
This is one of my favorite verses. Jesus says this right after He instructs us to not worry about what we will eat, what we will drink, or what we will wear. Basically, stop worrying about your basic, everyday needs because the Father already knows of those and will be sure to provide them for you. Instead, seek His kingdom first, and then everything else will fall into place.
I challenge you this week to join me and try to refocus on what really matters. What is the epicenter of life? What is truly going to matter when we leave this earth? If we focus on our relationship with Jesus and seek Heaven, everything else will be sure to follow.
Be at peace this week. Don’t worry. Trust.
