What Really Matters To You?
Devotional Reading: The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 ESV
Have you ever asked yourself this question, what truly matters to you?
Do you value treasures in heaven or trophies on earth? This isn’t about giving a church answer — it’s about being honest with yourself, because when you know what you value, you can be intentional about getting it. That’s important, because getting what you want usually requires doing some things you don’t want to do.
Everybody wants an A on their midterm, but nobody really wants to study for the exam.
Everybody wants extra cash to spend, but nobody really wants to pick up that extra shift at work.
Most of us would agree that we want to follow Jesus, but very few of us really want to sacrifice anything to follow Him.
Jesus knew we would struggle with this tension, which is why He told His disciples in Matthew 16, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life?”
The disciples knew Jesus offered something this world couldn’t give — and they wanted to follow Him, but nobody wanted to carry a cross. Jesus’ words forced them to evaluate how committed they were to their calling.
Most people want the crown, but nobody wants to carry a cross. Just like the disciples, you have to decide what truly matters to you.
Spend some time today writing down what you really want for your future. Do you really value God’s will, or are you scared to lay down your own plans? Ask God to give you the faith, wisdom, and discipline to follow Him so you can experience all He has prepared for you.
God’s will is always worth the work and worth the wait!
Prayer and Confession
Jesus help me to follow your will and help me to pay the sacrifices when it is needed. Amen!
Further Reading: John 12:25, Romans 12:1
