What If You’re Working Hard On The Wrong Things?

WHAT IF YOU’RE WORKING HARD ON THE WRONG THINGS?

What’s occupying your thoughts, feelings, schedule, and lifestyle these days? What’s most important to you? What do you really value?

If you suddenly had to flee your home with only a few possessions, what would you grab? What really matters?

WHAT ARE WE WORKING TO ACCOMPLISH?

Ya know, we can spend our entire lives working hard on the wrong things. Chasing success, building wealth, protecting our comfort, holding grudges, or pursuing things that, in the end, really don’t matter.

The Bible says, “Do not be fooled: You cannot cheat God. People harvest only what they plant.” (Galatians 6:7 NCV)

So, what are you and I planting today? Are we headed in the right direction?

For over 28 years, I’ve read the Bible cover to cover every year. Not simply to gain knowledge, but to better understand God, His truth, and how He wants me to live. And after all these years, I’m still learning!

WHAT IS A GOOD LIFE?

Throughout Scripture, I read about people who ignored God, rejected His counsel, pursued ungodly desires, or simply didn’t care. And I see the same things happening today.

To me, that’s sad. Because I’ve discovered something that has changed my life. God’s ways aren’t designed to rob us of life. They’re designed to give us a better life!

Jesus said, “I came to give life, and life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10 NCV)

Does that mean bad things won’t happen? Absolutely not! I’ve experienced plenty of hardships, failures, and heartaches. And I’m sure there are more to come.

But when your life is anchored in Jesus Christ, you can experience real joy, even during difficult seasons. Not because suffering is enjoyable, but because God is with you, and this life isn’t the end of your story.

James wrote, “My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy.” (James 1:2 NCV)

WHAT ABOUT OUR DEATH

And for a Christ follower, even death isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of eternal life with God in a new heaven and new earth.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.” (Revelation 21:4 NCV)

DOUBTING TRUTH

Now, I encounter plenty of educated, intelligent people who doubt God, reject Jesus, or embrace all sorts of other beliefs. And I understand doubt. Trust me!

There was a time when I hardly thought about God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. I was busy living my own life, pursuing my own interests, and making plenty of mistakes.

Then one day, the Holy Spirit began changing my heart and mind. I started understanding God’s truth in ways I never had before. My desires, priorities, and direction began changing.

Paul explained why this matters.

“A person who does not have the Spirit does not accept the truths that come from the Spirit of God. That person thinks they are foolish and cannot understand them, because they can only be judged to be true with the help of the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NCV)

CAN YOU BE EDUCATED, YET WRONG?

So here’s something worth considering. Is it possible to be highly educated, incredibly intelligent, and know a great deal about religion, yet never experience the heart, mind, and soul transformation of the Holy Spirit?

I believe it is. And I don’t say that to judge anyone. I remember who I was before Christ began changing me. And God is still working on me!

That’s why Jesus matters so much.

He lived the perfect life you and I could never live. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and God raised Him from the dead. Through faith in Him, we’re forgiven and given eternal life.

But Jesus isn’t simply my Savior. He’s my Lord. And the Holy Spirit helps me follow Him, understand God’s truth, and live differently.

THE DEBATE ABOUT TRUTH

There will always be those who believe and those who don’t. The debates will continue until Christ returns. But one day, the debating will end.

“Every knee will bow to the name of Jesus—everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and bring glory to God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10–11 NCV)

CONCLUSION

So what am I learning from all this?

I don’t want to waste the years God gives me pursuing things that won’t matter when my life is over. I want to love God, love others, forgive, serve, and become more like Jesus.

Practically, that means reading God’s Word daily, listening to the Holy Spirit, examining my motives, correcting my mistakes, and being intentional about how I spend my time.

And when someone doubts or strongly disagrees with what I believe, I don’t need to win an argument. I want to love them, respect them, and pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal God’s truth to them, just as He did for me.

Because knowledge alone doesn’t save us. Jesus does.

So, what about you? What are you sowing today? What’s driving your decisions? And when your life is over, how much of what you’re pursuing right now will really matter?

LORD, thank You for opening my heart and mind to Your truth. Forgive me for chasing things that don’t matter. Help me live according to Your ways, love others as myself, and use the life You’ve given me wisely. Holy Spirit, continue changing me, and help those who doubt discover Your truth. IJNIP amen ♥️

(Spend time with your spouse - a lot of time)