Some things matter for just a moment, while others have a lasting impact. And it’s important to invest our time and energy appropriately. Considering the importance of an issue over time helps to give us perspective.
If someone cuts us off on the interstate it matters for that moment. But by the end of the day it probably matters very little.
And we tailor our responses accordingly.
There might be a flash of anger in the moment, but we soon let it go and deal with the more important issues of our day.
And this ability to hold issues in their proper perspective is needed throughout our life and relationships.
Will this issue matter 10 minutes or 10 days from now? Will it matter in 10 months or 10 years? And how much does it matter in light of eternity?
Issues of temporary importance are given their due diligence in the moment. But they are also weighted according to long-term perspectives.
For instance, where we decide to eat on a particular Friday night, vacation plans, and the size of our house all matter very little on our deathbeds.
Certainly, education, careers, and financial security are important issues. But even these are not as important as stewarding the deep purpose and relationships God has given us.
As Jesus once taught – What does it matter if we gain the whole world and lose our own soul?
Keeping things in proper perspective allows us to invest our time and energy wisely.
We can let go of those things that don’t matter in the long run. And diligently fight for those things that do.
When we lose sight of this we’re prone to make mountains out of molehills and forget the larger story God is telling.
Whatever the issue, consider how much it matters in the long run and adjust your time and attention accordingly.
Photo by noor Younis on Unsplash
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