How You Can Bless Your Life by Focusing On the Truly Important
I was on a Christian Site recently and noticed that after a beautiful and encouraging devotion about the importance of finding ways to strengthen and build relationships with one another . . . several of the commenters had turned their interactions with others into ugly debates about a current political issue.
I can’t help but wonder what the world thinks when the family of Christ behaves like that.
Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t have opinions or even share them. But I am saying that how we share them is truly important.
Paul closed his letter to Titus with a reminder to focus on what’s truly important.
Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
Titus 3:3
The enemy of our souls wants to divide us . . . but God has given us something better. The Good News about Jesus is important enough to unite us even when we’re surrounded by divisiveness.
But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus 3:4–6
By God’s grace, you and I are completely forgiven. All our sins are washed away. We have been given NEW LIFE and a new way to live.
I believe that is why Paul added…
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
Titus 3:9–10
The LAB Notes add:
Paul is warning against petty quarrels, not honest discussions that lead to wisdom. If foolish arguments develop it is best to turn the discussion back in a helpful direction or politely excuse yourself.
The anonymity of online discussions and arguments makes it easy to lash out and leave. But we must remember we are always witnessing.
AND…
We have the BEST NEWS EVER to share . . . news about GOD’S LOVE. News about JESUS. News about LIFE—real and satisfying!
Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
Titus 3:7
Why would we ever want to waste time on foolish divisive quarrels when we can focus on what’s truly important for life today and life forever . . . for you and me, and for everyone who trusts and loves the Lord Jesus.
A Prayer to Avoid Quarrels and Focus On the Truly Important
Father, once again, I come to you asking for forgiveness. It is so easy for me to become distracted by the noise of arguing differing opinions. And often, I can get sucked into those arguments thinking I need to share my thoughts as well.
But Lord, You ask me to focus on the things that matter for eternity. You ask me to focus on Jesus. Help us care more about our relationships than winning arguments. Help me focus on building up than on tearing down. Help me share Your Truth with gentleness and respect. Help me love like Jesus the One who is truly important. The One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The One who is my Lord and Savior . . . who blesses my life today, tomorrow, and forever. Thank you, Father. Your love overwhelms me. May it always be the ONE THING I make TRULY IMPORTANT. Amen.
It’s kind of funny, isn’t it?
We get so agitated and wrapped up in those foolish discussions . . . the things that don’t really matter in for our eternal futures.
We are called to a better life now, one that does God’s will. Repents over failure and focuses on the things that build and strengthen relationships.
I promise you . . . it will bless you and give you more peace in your life, too.
Oh, and if you and I feel the need to share our opinions on things that are temporary . . . we should do all we can to share them in ways that are kind, encouraging, and helpful.
Because when we call ourselves Christians, we are always representing Christ.
On today’s note write:
With God’s help, I will focus on and talk about things that are truly important.
May God bless you today and give you His peace when you are distracted by divisive opinions and conversations.
We should all focus on God’s truth and building one another up, not tearing each other down. That constant “foolish talk” is a major reason I quit using Facebook, Deb, and honestly, I haven’t missed it for one minute. I’m just much more calm and settled when I can avoid needless confrontation and concentrate on what truly matters – God’s love and faithfulness.
Blessings!
I get that, Martha! Our kids aren’t on FB either. I’m on to connect with other bloggers and try to avoid as much of the negative stuff as I can. Blessings, my friend!
And thank you, Deb for your steady words each day. I begin each day talking with God and your website is part of it. I look forward to what you say. I agree with the comment about Facebook. I never have been a part of it. By God’s grace, I realized the negative would outweigh the positive. Intentions are better served with direct contact.
Thank you so much, Jean! I am so blessed that you join us each day! I agree that being together is so much better than just social media interactions. Seeing faces and talking together is a wonderful blessing. God be with you!
As always I am so blessed by your knowledge & wisdom .
So very thankful to God for leading me to your daily devotions & now going through the Bible with them.
You are ALWAYS true to his word with a humble heart & desire to share his love & compassion.
Today as always was a blessing????
Thank you so much for all the time & effort you put into this. I can’t imagine all the hours you have given, nor can I imagine how many lives are being changed because your using you God given gift.
Would so love some day to meet you!
( before heaven☺️)
Thank you so very much, Kathie! I can’t tell you how much your kindness means to me. It is a wonderful blessing to be able to do this. I love it! And I would love you meet you as well. God bless you!
I ditto every word and thought of Kathie Schrieber! I admire you for so many reasons and would love to know how you juggle all your time, to serve the Lord the ways you do and still keep up with everything else. I feel like such a failure on every level! I would love to be serving God 24/7 and yet, i get so overwhelmed at times, i end up failing at everything! Would love to have you, Deb as a live, in person mentor! You are such a blessing to so many! And you are sooo needed in this horrible sad and lonely, mean world. Blessings,
Kathy, you and Kathie are an answer to prayer. Rev tells me that he regularly asks God to send me words of encouragement and blessing. You both have done that and more today. Thank you so much! It is a blessing to be retired. It makes it possible for me to focus on online ministry and I thank God every day for the opportunity. I love it! Being able to interact with people like you and hear from people all over the world gives me joy. And I will tell you this . . . the enemy of our souls wants us to feel like failures. He will get in our heads and try to convince us that we are falling short constantly. But God says we are covered by His love and forgiveness. I’m praying and asking God to bless you with people who lift you up with kind encouragement and love. Blessings and hugs!
Dear Deb, you have written about an issue that has been weighing heavy on my heart. I’m seeing division in our church and yes much of it is expressed not in church but on Facebook. Many of these opinions expressed are hitting me personally because my mother died from Covid in January of this year. I can’t thank you enough for your ministry and tell you that you bless me so
often. Prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I’m sure that makes all of the flip comments on FB extra painful. I’m praying for you and asking God to comfort you . . . and to help everyone rise up with more compassion and understanding beyond the outrage. God be with you and bless you!
Is it a sign of our times that people can say spiteful things to strangers, not caring whom they hurt? I did try to join some Christian discussion groups, but they were not any different. It’s a mystery to me why people want to be horrid to others. Thank you for your ministry Deb.
Thank you, Angela! I keep praying that people will grow in a spirit of gentleness. God bless you!