The Bible contrasts what matters most in life with what does not.

Matthew 6:25-34 is a passage in which Jesus explains what matters most. His words “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33) do not teach that following Christ brings earthly riches. Rather, the teaching is that if we serve God to the best of our ability, all else will be OK (cf. Rom. 8:28).

Contrast this with the reverse mindset of “if everything is good in my life, then I will obey God.” This is the opposite of what our Lord taught. If we follow Christ, we will see life differently than the world sees it.

Consider the people deemed important by the world. Those who gain riches, fame, power, or prestige are often praised for such “success.” Gaining such things is not necessarily wrong, but what is really important is far different from these.

For instance, are we a godly example (Matt. 5:13-16)? Do we help those in need (Luke 10:25-37)? Is the fruit of the Spirit shown in our character (Gal. 5:22-23)? Do we pray ceaselessly (1 Thess. 5:17)?

Jesus Himself had little of the things most people consider important. He said in Luke 9:58, “foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.” Our culture encourages “self-promotion,” but Jesus said “whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). While our society promotes getting “to the top,” Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28-WEB).

The contrast between what Jesus promoted and what our society considers significant makes one wonder if Jesus would really be honored if He walked on earth today, or if He would be treated as “second-class” for being meek and poor.

Just as we must focus on what matters most in our personal lives, we must focus on what matters most in a local church.

Many “church-goers” focus on the quality of church buildings, the entertainment during assembly times, and the numbers that big buildings and entertainment often produce. What matters to God, though, are things like love (1 Thess. 3:12), unity (1 Cor. 1:10), spiritual growth (Eph. 4:13-16), zeal for proclaiming truth (1 Thess. 1:8), and soundness of doctrine (cf. Tit. 2:1).

Many desire teaching from eloquent speakers who will teach what makes listeners feel good (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3-4). What matters to God, though, is that the truth is spoken in its simplicity (1 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 1:12) and in love (Eph. 4:15), using His Word as our guide (1 Pet. 4:11).

These examples contrast what most think is important and what is most important according to God. May we pattern our thinking according to what God says, and not the wisdom of this world.

– Michael Hickox