What Really Matters

“Perspective is found in the face of disaster.”
Loren Thornburg

It’s hard to believe it was 10 years ago. It feels like yesterday that I first heard of the tragic events of our country. For weeks it flooded the news and our lives. Some more than others, but it was hard not to be affected. There is something about those times, when we are face to face with disaster and loss, that we can’t help but gain perspective of what really matters. We see the fragility of life and remember we have no guarantees. In this perspective shift we begin to find a new level of thankfulness and gratitude. We start to make the things that really matter priority in our lives. However, over time we often lose sight of this again. Life demands so much from us that we start to let other things take center stage. Rather than waiting for the next big disaster let’s let this anniversary remind us what really matters.

“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”
Phil 3:8 NLT

Paul, referred to as Saul before having an encounter with Jesus, came face to face with disaster and loss. He was going about his day when an encounter with the Lord dramatically changed the course of his day and life. He was blinded. Saul was completely dependent on those around him to go anywhere and do anything. So when his sight was restored you can only imagine his thankfulness. Yet, more than being able to see, he now saw Jesus in a whole different light. Having once persecuted those who believed, he now “immediately” began preaching about how Jesus saves. Paul saw what really mattered and he kept seeing it and sharing it throughout his life. He continued to remember what was of gain and what was of loss by comparing it up to Christ. This doesn’t mean we have to go preach or be missionaries. It doesn’t mean only going to church and reading your Bible are worthwhile. Much the opposite, it means that everything done with Him at the center, so that He may be seen as worthy is a “priceless gain.” Don’t wait for disaster to strike to start seeing that what really matters is knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.