We were discussing this verse the other day, and it really struck home. Life is busy, and there are always so many things to capture our attention. And while there is nothing wrong with doing our jobs, fulfilling our responsibilities, or even enjoying the lovely things in this world, if we get so caught up in it that we’re not remembering that this world is not all that there is, then something is wrong.
I remember one time hearing someone talk about keeping a proper balance between what is urgent and what is important. Some things are both important and urgent. If you’re getting married in 10 minutes, that is important, and it’s about to happen right now, so it is urgent.
Some things are urgent, but may not be important. When someone knocks on your door, you don’t think to yourself, “Oh, I’ll answer the door sometime later this week.” It is something to be taken care of immediately. It may or may not be important (maybe it’s just a salesman), but it goes in the urgent category.
Other things, like reading to your kids or exercising, are things that we may recognize as important, but may not feel so urgent, because they are things that could be done at any time you choose. It takes a conscious choice to set aside time to do them, and you do, because you recognize its importance. But it rarely feels “urgent”.
But focusing on the eternal things is what is the most important, although it rarely feels urgent. And that is why this verse is such an important reminder to have the proper priorities. By contrast, this whole life can feel urgent – it is happening now. But it won’t last forever, and all the things of this earth that we were seeking won’t be important.
This is something I need to be reminded of daily. So I made the above printable, to hang and remind myself to “seek the things above”. (You can click on the image to go to the printable file.)
What are your thoughts?
What verses help you keep your focus?
Leave a comment below! :)
Really love this verse & the way you broke it down here, April! It’s a beautiful reminder. Thank you for sharing :)
Thanks, Katrina. :)
This IS a great reminder. I heard that Mercy Me song yesterday (I Can Only Imagine) and it always makes me so dang excited to get to Heaven! Yet we forget about all that when we get lost in the daily grind. I loved your distinctions between urgent and important. I will be printing out the printable as a reminder for us. Thanks for sharing!
@ParadiseSweets (Aubrey)
Thanks for stopping by, Aubrey! :)
So, I’m Jewish..and as this verse doesn’t apply to me 100% because of Christ, I can adapt it to just G-d. At the moment I’m not very involved in a Temple, but when I get back to school I’ll retake my position as Charity VP of my Jewish student group and I can’t wait to just get back to helping the community..which is urgent yet part of eternity’s karma, or so I think =]
Hi Jessica! Thanks so much for comment! I certainly encourage discussion from those of different beliefs. :) I think we would agree that there must be one truth, not many, but I think we are all benefited by discussing our views and helping each other come to a fuller understanding of what that truth is. So with that being said, I more than welcome your input – if you feel something I say is not true, please do feel free to bring it up to me! After all, the truth comes from God’s scriptures, not from my own thoughts, and if I am not able to give a scriptural backing for what I say, then I shouldn’t be saying it. I am always open to discussion, whether here on my blog, or if you ever want to contact me privately, just let me know. :) Thanks again for your comment, I appreciate it!
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