What Matters? July 24, 2005
I have to admit that while I was following doctor’s orders and not “overdoing” it that I flipped through the television channels a lot, trying to find something that would hold my attention for more than 15 seconds.
I wasn’t very successful!
One of the things that I think perplexed me the most was a new reality show on some network entitled, “Being Bobby Brown.” When I saw the show being advertised the first thing that came out of my mouth was, “Who in the world would watch a show about that dude? When was the last good song he performed? Is ghostbusters going to make a comeback?” But reality is–to some people out there–that show really does matter!
Then it hit me–I feel that all too often we all get caught up in things that do not matter–and we will let those things dominate our feelings, our emotions…OUR LIVES.
For instance–men, when we compete in athletic events. Let me be very clear, when I play a game I have one purpose–to win! I do not play for fun…if I want fun then I will go to a carnival! If you and I are on opposite teams then I consider you my mortal enemy…and it is my goal to defeat you!
And get this–there is nothing wrong with this attitude–unless it controls you. For instance, I used to let my being competitive get the best of me…and so when things were not going my way or my team was not playing well I would have a sour attitude–I would talk junk, yell at the referees–basically make a rear end out of myself. And why–over a stupid game.
I had to finally realize that in the end the results of the particular game I was playing in did not matter…they were not going to make the headlines of the next day’s newspaper–and so I decided a few years back that I was going to play hard–be competitive–desire to win… but if I didn’t then it did not matter.
The bottom line here is that many people get caught up in things that do not matter. We become passionate about certain people who do not know us…and never will (such as movie stars and rock stars), we get caught up in activities that are meant to be enjoyed–but can become unhealthy obsessions (golf), and we buy shirts, hats, and blankets of our favorite ball teams and spend unhealthy amounts of money attending athletic events…and in the end what is accomplished on the field does not directly effect us…it just doesn’t matter.
Please don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that any of these things are wrong. It is not a sin to play golf or attend football games–the problem comes in when we become so passionate about these things that we forget the one thing that should matter the most–that Jesus Christ created each of us with passion and purpose…and our passion and desire in life should be to discover why we are on this planet and then pursue that purpose with all our soul! That is what should matter.
However, I often meet so many people who are not getting the most out of life–they seem to be merely existing and not living…and I submit that maybe one of the reasons could be that they are passionate about pursuing things that just do not matter.
So how about you? Are you passionate about something that one day just will not matter? If I had to make a list I would say the things I am most passionate about are…
#1 – My relationship with Jesus Christ…and according to Scripture–this matters!
#2 – My Wife! Trust me–this matters! I will NEVER allow a hobby or a job trump Lucretia, she is the most important human relationship I have on this planet! And according to Scripture, she matters!
#3 – New Spring Community Church–I am committed to the church as a whole, I honestly believe that Jesus Christ being taught through the local church is the hope of the world. However, I am specifically passionate about New Spring…this church consumes my thoughts and emotions…and I am so thankful that God has allowed me to have a part in what is taking place.
Those are my top three–all of them matter–my challenge today–make your list…and then begin to revolve your life around the things that matter! (And if Jesus isn’t at the top of your list–e-mail me so I can share with you how to get Him there!!!)
I believe if we will pursue what matters then life will matter more to us! Saying all of the above to say this–sorry Bobby Brown, your show just doesn’t matter!