What Matters Most?

Professional athletes and coaches face monumental decisions as they enter their arena of sport. Their choices and decisions can set the trajectory of their careers and their lives. Some set their sights on maximum financial gain, some on ensuring they are on the best winning team, while others may seek more noble pursuits. It all centers on what the coach or athlete considers the highest priority and what they value the most.

The same is true for our lives. What we value as most important determines how we spend our time and resources. It frames our world, guides our decisions and governs our choices. It forces us to prioritize the many, so we can accomplish the few that make the greatest impact in achieving our goals. 

As a simple example, consider your morning thought process. At the start of your day, where does your mind go? Most likely, on all the things that need to be done that day, being mindful of which ones are most important. Prioritization allows us to assess what matters most and giving those things the right amount of our attention and time.

Athletes juggle academics, training and competing, along with many other outside activities, responsibilities and life choices. Coaches have families to serve, a career that can often be consuming, pressure to win and both internal and external expectations to meet. Balancing these variables can leave us overwhelmed, overworked and overloaded.

The solution to find balance and peace is found in God’s Word. Using the Bible as our guide provides the foundation for setting priorities. It teaches us to put God first in every area of our lives, value relationships over material possessions, and strive for spiritual growth above worldly success. 

The account of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 is an excellent example of focusing on what matters most and placing priority of the important over the urgent. Martha was activity driven, busy with important things, but Mary was relationally driven, sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to Him. Jesus says, “Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part” (v.41-42). Jesus proclaims the priority, the “one thing”. 

Jesus also addresses what matters most when asked what the greatest commandment was. His response, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31). Our highest priority and continual mindset is to love God and love others. 

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

So how do we set our priorities and our agenda on what’s most important to God in our life and daily routine? Here are a few examples from God’s Word:

SEEK

Seek God first in every decision and pursuit. 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” –Matthew 6:33

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” –Colossians 3:2

SPEND

Spend time in God’s presence daily. Pray, give thanks, read the Bible and worship. Ask God to help you discern what your priorities should be.

“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

SURROUND 

Surround yourself with other Christ followers – church, small group bible study, fellowship, and discipleship. 

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” –Hebrews 10:25 

SERVE 

Serve God by using your gift and talents. 

“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 

SHARE 

Share the Good News with others. 

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’“ –Mark 16:15 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” –Matthew 28:19 

So, what matters most to you today? What will you prioritize?

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Live It Out

Theme Verse – Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Question – How are you currently spending your time, energy and resources? 

Challenge – Review the 5 action verbs above and assess your strengths and weaknesses, then develop a prioritization action plan for advancement.

We want you to join us as we go through the Glory journey this year! Discover Chasing Glory, Received Glory, Reflecting Glory and Lasting Glory in your heart and purpose by diving into God’s Word and joining us through monthly content and challenges. Visit 

 and start today!

*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.