Many important things demand our attention. But some things matter more than others. And everyday we must make decisions where to invest our time and attention to make sure we’re not neglecting the weightier matters of our life and relationships.
For instance, a busy week at work might be quickly put on hold when we need to take care of a loved one who is sick. The work is still important, but actively caring for our loved one is the weightier matter in the moment.
This might also play out in our work itself. To focus on the work that matters we might need others to help us with the smaller tasks. Their support allows us to spend more time on what God has uniquely called us to do.
Likewise, like the martyrs of the faith will attest, there are times in which faithfully following God will take on much greater weight and significance than our creature comforts and public opinion. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying comforts whenever we can. But we must be willing to sacrifice these comforts whenever weightier matters arise.
Whatever it looks like, part of wisdom and maturity is learning to discern and count the cost to the decisions we make.
Sometimes the urgent demands our attention and it only makes sense to deal with it to get back to the rest of life as quickly as we can.
But, at others times, chasing every small fire is neglecting the longer game.
To be sure, this is not always easy to discern. But we must regularly step back and consider if we’re investing our time and attention where it matters the most.
We can’t neglect this for long without it having disastrous consequences throughout our life.
In the end, don’t get so wrapped up in the small things that you forget the weightier matters. God’s best is discovered by giving important matters the weight they’re due.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
