Focus on the Things That Really Matter

Daily Devotional

1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Do not major in the minor, some things are more important than others. Focus on what is most important.

During the time of his ministry, Paul faced continuous opposition because some of the Jews were against his teaching that physical circumcision was not necessary for one to receive salvation. What he preached instead was being made righteous by faith in Jesus Christ. That was a hard pill for some of the Jews to swallow who grew up their entire life being taught that they must be circumcised according to the law. What they did not understand is that the circumcision requirement that God gave to Abraham was only a shadow of the work that would be done by the Holy Spirit under the new covenant. Paul responded to their criticism in 1 Corinthians 7:19 by saying circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. The essence of what Paul was saying was, circumcision or no circumcision is of little importance, what is of utmost importance is keeping the commandments of God.

Very often in the body of Christ we get caught up on trivial matters to include dress code and foods to be eaten or not and lose sight of what is most important, which is getting people focused on total obedience to God’s words. The same approach may also spill over into other areas of our lives, where we get caught giving more time on a daily basis to things that are less important and in the end fail to invest time towards the things that really matter: fulfilling God’s purpose and promises for our lives. Let us not forget that if the enemy succeeds in taking our eyes off those things that are most important, he automatically succeeds in keeping you and I away from our purpose and promise.

Life Application: Take time today to reestablish your priorities by making a list of the things that you must do to realize your purpose and promise, and then invest more of your time doing those things on a daily basis.  

Prayer: Lord, I choose to focus on what really matters. Help me to focus on your word and pleasing you in all things. Have your way in me, in Jesus name, amen.