“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Prioritizing Faith
In our lives, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily tasks and responsibilities. However, we understand that what really matters starts with our faith. Placing our faith in God first allows us to find meaning and direction. The Bible teaches us that seeking God’s kingdom is paramount and that with our faith leading the way, everything else will fall into place. This prioritization helps us align our actions, choices, and thoughts with God’s purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:37-39
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Romans 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17
Love and Relationships
Relationships are crucial in our lives and contribute significantly to what matters most. Love binds us together as a community, family, and friends. We are called to love one another, reflecting the love God has for us. Genuine relationships enrich our lives, reminding us of the importance of connection and support. The Bible encourages us to nurture our relationships, prioritizing love and kindness, as they bring joy and fulfillment to our lives.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Serving Others
Serving others is another vital aspect of what truly matters in our lives. As followers of Christ, we are prompted to extend our hands to those in need, showcasing God’s love through our actions. This selflessness and compassion not only impact those we help, but it also deepens our relationship with God. Serving allows us to fulfill God’s command and find joy in loving others, reminding us that we are all connected and responsible for each other.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
John 13:14-15
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:14-15
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Living with Integrity
Integrity is key to a meaningful life. When we prioritize righteousness and live in alignment with our values, we show the world what really matters. The Bible teaches us about the importance of honesty, moral strength, and unwavering commitment to our beliefs. Our integrity reflects our relationship with God and serves as a guide for our actions. Striving to live with integrity not only leads us to personal growth, but it also influences those around us positively.
Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” – Proverbs 11:3
Psalm 25:21
“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” – Psalm 25:21
Titus 2:7-8
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” – Titus 2:7-8
Proverbs 21:3
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3
Joy and Gratitude
Finding joy and practicing gratitude significantly impacts our lives and helps us keep perspective on what truly matters. By thanking God for His blessings, we cultivate a positive outlook. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit; it flourishes in our hearts when we focus on the good and acknowledge God’s presence in our daily lives. A heart filled with gratitude not only deepens our relationship with God, but it also enriches our connections with others. As we learn to appreciate life’s small and big moments, we discover profound joy in every circumstance.
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Psalms 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalms 107:1
Psalms 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalms 118:24
Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Faith in Trials
Life will present challenges and hardships, but having faith during these times is what really matters. Our strength is not found in our circumstances but in our trust in God. The trials we face can deepen our faith and draw us closer to God. The Bible encourages us to find hope in challenging situations, reminding us that God is always with us, providing comfort and strength. By leaning into our faith during difficult times, we can discover resilience and greater understanding of God’s plans for our lives.
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-4
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Psalms 34:19
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” – Psalms 34:19
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Hope for the Future
Having hope for the future is an essential part of what truly matters in our faith journey. Hope anchored in God’s promises gives us a sense of purpose and belonging. It encourages us to look beyond our current circumstances and boldly face what lies ahead. The Bible reassures us that our future is secure in Christ, and our hope in Him fuels our determination to move forward. Remembering that God has a plan for each of us can bring us comfort as we navigate life.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 5:3-5
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5
1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'” – Revelation 21:4
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what really matters, we come to understand the importance of prioritizing our faith, nurturing our relationships, and serving others. Living with integrity grants us the strength and courage to face life’s challenges while leaning on each other for love and support. Choosing to embrace joy and express gratitude opens our hearts to the blessings we often overlook, while maintaining hope for the future aligns us with God’s promises for our lives.
By embracing these principles, we foster a deeper connection to God and live out the teachings of the Bible every day. May we remain committed to what truly matters, allowing our faith to guide us and our actions to reflect God’s love in the world around us.
For more inspiration, you might be interested in learning about loving one another or exploring caring for our hearts.