What matters?
As in what really matters?
That is often determined by the ruling forces of the day.
Trends come and go, but the foundation that keeps the structure in place is set and reinforced by those ruling forces.
Those foundations under one rule is really about what is pleasing to the eye, what is pleasing to self and the high regard for self-accomplishments. In this rule, self-righteousness and exercising self over others is the order of the day, however it is masked with lovely sentiments. In this rule the goal is all about the self.
In contrast the foundation of the rule of God sees Him refer us to a righteousness beyond ourselves. That righteousness in action focuses on the Creator and receives the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and faithfulness that flows from that. Indeed the only element of self that’s an outflow of this focus is self-control – never giving in to either self-loathing or self-indulgence.
Concern for the well-being of others is rooted in the identity of that individual being founded on what the Creator has established as right, just and merciful.
Discovering these foundation issues when it comes to this rule of God becomes a lifelong commitment to expressing them in actions reflecting His wonderful love and His righteousness.
It is easy with the ever changing trends and competing philosophies to be caught up in things that lead astray from those foundations. There is a time to return and reconfirm that commitment to those foundation issues.
A return to those things that really matter.
(Photo by Mirko Blicke on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 