One outstanding way that instant gratification has ramped up in recent years is with the advent and progression of social media. Most of us agree that social media has its perks, but it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. The creators of these applications have designed them to engage the user base in a way that goes beyond briefly engaging the user. The goal is often simple. Those who have worked on these applications have openly shared their intentions to captivate our attention and keep us on the applications for as long as possible.

There is an addictive component to seeing likes, comments, and shares roll in from our family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. For most of us, the crowd consists primarily of people many don’t know well. We have become addicted to digesting bite-sized content and exchanging memes with people we often only know superficially! Meanwhile, we find ourselves gravitating to our phones when we’re around some of the people we love the most. It takes deliberate effort to silence our phones and give our loved ones the gift of our attention. When we fail to do this, we are falling for the trap.

Don’t get me wrong. These applications have also empowered many with a platform to share their message with people who wouldn’t have otherwise heard them. It has opened the door to conversations and debate in the public square where those who may not have had a say now have one. It has even allowed us to share the Gospel and conveniently connect with family and friends when we cannot reach out in person. The impact is not all negative, but we often glaze over some detrimental impacts without much thought. Many of our younger generations need more face-to-face interaction to develop communication skills. Online communication and texting have replaced a significant amount of in-person connections. The infrequency of this situation may cause them to struggle due to a lack of in-person connection with their peers. Instead, they live with their heads tucked downwards, focusing on the online side of their world.

Another area of concern, also revolving around applications and social media, applies to many of us. We switch between bite-sized pieces of content across various topics in brief reels, shorts, and clips. It’s become quite rampant, and as a result, our attention span has suffered. Suppose we get caught up in a treadmill of digesting these little nuggets of information back to back without any real connectivity between topics. In that case, it’s no wonder we may find it challenging to focus on things like reading a book or remaining attentive in conversation.

These developments aren’t limited to social media. The ease of access to anything from fast food to online streaming platforms for entertainment puts everything at our fingertips. These comforts and pleasures can deter us from meaningful pursuits when we allow them to run rampant. Most things worth pursuing in life involve a lot of effort over an extended period. It takes a certain level of sacrifice, risk, and delayed gratification to make our greatest dreams a reality. Suppose we get accustomed to the easy way to stimulate our brains and get immediate gratification. In that case, making meaningful sacrifices toward the future rewards God has in store for us becomes more arduous.

We will find more long-term fulfillment in investing for the future than maximizing our comfort now (Ecclesiastes 1:14). For example, every good relationship takes work. We need to figure out how our partners give and receive love, and we need to figure out their communication styles in instances where we may not understand them. We must aim to understand their behavior patterns and exercise the patience to consider their perspective (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). As people, we all grow and develop, so there must be grace to extend to one another as we mature. Who are we not to extend the love, grace, and patience that God has given us (John 3:16)? Sometimes, on the most challenging days, we must choose love. A loving relationship carries sacrifices and risks, but we can say the same thing about almost everything worth doing. If we keep at it together, it’s only a matter of time before you see the fruit of your efforts.

The Christian life is all about sacrifice, risk, and delayed gratification. We sacrifice by taking up our cross daily and serving God (Luke 9:23). Some of us risk our comfort, jobs, and lives in obedience to God’s call (Philippians 2:30). When we obey God in this life, we practice a form of delayed gratification (Matthew 16:25-27). Instead of living for this world’s fleeting pleasures, we seek to store treasure in heaven (Matthew 16:25-27). Rather than indulging the desires of the flesh, lust of the eyes, or the pride of life, we walk in the victory that Jesus Christ gave us over sin and death (1 John 2:16, 1 Corinthians 15:55-56). We prioritize obeying God even when it costs us something because He first loved us, and now we love Him (1 John 4:19, John 14:15).

Does this all mean we must walk in perfection? No. Only Jesus Christ did that. However, it does mean God has called us to serve in a way that transcends this world’s distractions. When we live for the moment, we may enjoy much pleasure. If we sacrifice solely for the luxuries and amenities in this world, we may also achieve those. But the most extraordinary form of sacrifice, risk, and delayed gratification is to live for God by emulating His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). He calls us to put Him first and make sure this world and everything in it comes secondary to us (1 John 2:17).

Anything we do that involves sacrificing something in this world for the sake of God and His glory will echo into eternity (Romans 8:18). We will never regret prioritizing God by utilizing our gifts, talents, resources, and energy to execute His will. We can only fill the missing puzzle pieces in our hearts through fellowship with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:17-19). God has designed us to bring Him glory by being ambassadors for His Son, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Don’t forget your identity in God, and remember that everything you do for Him is eternally meaningful (2 Corinthians 5:17).

May God’s love for you overflow as you serve Him by loving those around you. When we are friends of God and genuinely desire to live for Him, it will not be too hard to make the sacrifices and delays in gratification warranted to glorify Him (James 2:23, John 15:15). Before you know it, you’ll reflect Jesus Christ in more and more aspects of your life as you mature in faith. We all need to surrender our idols and work on ensuring this world’s distractions don’t steal our hearts away from our true purpose (Ezekiel 36:25). Praise God for His help in empowering us to do so!

It is always wise to obey God’s commands. We know evangelism is part of our call because of God’s Word. God has commanded us to evangelize based on what is known as the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19-20). It is important to note that while all believers should pursue the task, the path taken may vary depending on individual circumstances. Our approach should consider several situational dynamics, which are critical to conveying the core of our faith. For instance, it matters who we speak with, where we are located, and how to adapt the message best to communicate God’s Word. Aiming to do all this without watering down the message is vital to ensure we are compelling ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).

We must exercise discretion and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit to be effective vessels equipped to answer the call God puts in our hearts. We don’t need all the answers before sharing the gospel. The key points of our faith are the ones we need to know how to communicate. We need to share such realities as:

• All human beings have a fallen nature (Romans 3:23). 
• Even one sin is significant enough to send us to hell if we do not come to saving faith (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 6:23).
• Jesus Christ died for our past, present, and future sins to offer us salvation (Romans 5:8).
• Salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-10).
• Jesus Christ has justified us, or in other words, declared us as righteous upon our salvation (Romans 5:1).
• We can spend eternity with Him due to His love, provision, and sacrifice on our behalf (John 3:16).
• Our opportunity to reconcile to God the Father, despite our sins, is solely through Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

These principles will help the recipient of the gospel message to realize that they are sinners in need of their Lord and Savior, just like we are (1 Corinthians 1:18). Empathizing and developing a sense of camaraderie with them can be a great starting point before delving into them. Learning about their viewpoints, cultures, and perspectives can go a long way. Connecting with them often makes these interactions more effective (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). 

Our approach may change as we gauge their receptiveness to the message. We must tread cautiously if they get defensive and unwilling to hear about the Bible. Some people could even react with hostility to listening to God’s Word. In those cases, we must give them space to reflect on what the Holy Spirit prompted us to tell them. The best we can do at that point is redirect the conversation to a neutral topic or walk away, depending on the circumstances, and pray for them. The blessing is that even in such cases, we can rest assured that we still did what God desired, and we may have had a more significant impact than we might imagine. There is no telling if they felt convicted about their sin. Perhaps God laid down the foundation for them to open their hearts to Him in the future through your boldness (Hebrews 4:12). 

Recall that you are a vessel for God and take satisfaction in accomplishing your responsibility in His eyes (2 Timothy 2:21). There is no need to concern yourself about the outcomes from your perspective. God already accounted for all of it. He can still utilize what you view as an unsuccessful attempt at evangelism for His glory. Think back to a current believer whom God transformed through unlikely measures. Perhaps that person was you. After you have given your best effort, surrender it to God and let go of worry. The key is that God’s Word does not return void, and we cannot imagine what God can do in any encounter (Isaiah 55:11; Ephesians 1:13). We cannot allow discouragement in these situations to steer us away from accomplishing God’s will.

Sharing God’s Word can take on many forms. You might be uncomfortable with preaching or teaching, but sharing the gospel can be done in various ways. You might see it fit to start by inviting people to your local Church or sharing literature (i.e., gospel tracts). Another possibility is to pursue evangelism online through written articles. Many find creative avenues to share, such as YouTube videos or social media. No matter what you do, do it unto God’s glory and find the approach that fits you best (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

God knows our hearts and capabilities. May we all glorify Him through evangelism efforts (2 Corinthians 4:7). It takes time and effort, but God saves people from an eternity in hell when we share His Word (2 Corinthians 3:4-5). That is a sobering reality that should always drive a sense of urgency in us to do so. Let us obey God’s call to arms and invite future brothers and sisters in Christ to join the fold alongside us. Imagine having a hand in helping someone avoid hell and spending eternity in Heaven with our Good Shephard (Jude 1:21-23; John 10:1-3)! May we be bold and unashamed to do so as the Holy Spirit leads us to.

It was 2006, and I began my post-high school track at the University of Miami. Early in my academic career, I strongly desired to excel. I had a rocky start to my first semester compared to the standards I had come to expect in high school. I was accustomed to achieving straight A’s. Going in, I assumed I could easily handle a six-class course load and stacked those classes to all be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with only the sixth class being Wednesdays. The sixth course was a post-graduation preparation class that would prepare us for either law school or an MBA program. What could be better than a four-day weekend every week? 

I assumed it would be an excellent plan as it would enable me to continue participating in competitive PC gaming while providing additional free time to focus on studying. However, I needed to allot my time to better prioritize school work and study instead of structuring my time to make room for the games that interested me. Ultimately, this strategy resulted in a mix of A’s and B’s with a C+ in a Communications course I underestimated. These results fell short of my expectations but taught me a humbling lesson. I was confident I could redeem myself in the Spring of 2006 and made adjustments to make that a reality. 

Adjustments were needed!

It was clear that I would only turn things around if I studied more diligently and put in more effort starting the next semester. I decided to do five classes instead of six and begin a paid internship with OfficeMax, which an old friend connected me with. I felt fortunate as this was not the kind of opportunity a first-year student would often get. I also made the crucial adjustment to spread those five classes through Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. One upside of the internship was that I would allocate less free time to playing PC games, but there were a few downsides I did not foresee. The schedule would give little room for error. I was confident I could handle it at the time despite suspecting I might exert myself too much. I thought, “How hard would it be to put games on the back burner and pay more attention if need be?”

I hit the ground running that next semester and saw myself excel in all I was doing. The perfectionist inside of me was delighted with my performance. Within that first month or two of the semester, I got straight A’s and worked diligently to prove myself in my internship. I even made some time to play those coveted PC games and give lessons for money to augment my income. Some upper-level classmates and co-workers I occasionally encountered recognized my hard work through their affirmation and encouragement. I also noticed one of the young ladies in a class appeared enthusiastic about getting to know me. In my eyes, I was on top of the world in practically every area that seemed to matter.

I felt invincible, and my faith was the only aspect of my life I had allowed to become secondary. I did not slip away to the extent where I would call myself a prodigal or rebel, but I was not seeking God above the parameters for success the world offered. All these things I pursued were good. The mistake was not ensuring God was my top priority (Matthew 6:33). I was not attending Church or any Bible studies (Hebrews 10:25), although I still made it a point to talk to people about God on campus (Matthew 28:18-20). I also did so in the computer games I used to play. But the reality was apart from that, and perhaps some prayer time, my faith was not where it should be.

God corrects those He loves.

After those first couple of months or so, I was highly stressed out. It was a great time to quit the PC games, consider dropping one class, or even let go of the internship to salvage my work-life balance and mental health. Given my competitive nature, I did not find these solutions reasonable. I told myself I would power through anything and the stressors would subside in time (Proverbs 16:18). It got to a point where I did not sleep enough, and I became severely burnt out from over-extending myself. I did not recognize my limitations and remove something from my schedule. Instead, not long after, I put myself in a position where I needed to drop the entire load immediately. That is what I did, and not too long later, I realized I found myself immersed in a manic episode. I even had to be hospitalized, and my recovery was no walk in the park, to say the absolute least. 

Instead of having the humility and self-control to retire the PC games and sleep better, I had to let go of everything I was working for. I was not angry at God but was perplexed why He would allow me to suffer such a severe setback. I would face similar consequences for my mistakes again further down the road. My excessive ambition, competitive nature, and perfectionism led me to experience similar events thrice more during the following decade. It was challenging to realize that God gave me a loving and merciful detour because I was overly focused on what I had lost (Hebrews 12:11).

To this day, I can only speculate what God’s complete plan entails concerning these events. First and foremost, it made me realize that I should invest in eternity over the fleeting accomplishments and accolades this world offers (Ephesians 5:15-17). It also taught me I could not force or accomplish anything outside Him, allowing and empowering it. None of us can do anything of eternal value outside of Jesus Christ helping us to do so (John 15:4-8).

Instead of becoming a lawyer or climbing the ranks of a corporate ladder, God turned my focus back to Him. I discovered the value of being in His will, learned that God is to be loved and feared, and even found great satisfaction in serving Him through writing, among other pursuits (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). God even blessed me with more time to spend with my mom and dad, who helped me in my darkest days and never gave up on my recovery despite how bleak things were.

I may not know every reason why God ordained what happened, but I could not be more thankful that it did. My relationship with Him is stronger than ever. I placed my career aspirations on indefinite hold due to the circumstances of what occurred, but I am all the more blessed for having grown closer to Him in that season. I will celebrate eight years since my last hospitalization in August of this year, and He has remained faithful to me. The trial was severe, but God never abandoned me or let me down in any way (James 1:2-4; Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5-6).

It can be quite painful or even excruciating at the moment, but God corrects those He loves (Hebrews 12:6-7). All the lessons God teaches you the hard way have their purpose (Romans 8:28). One of the best ways to approach this is to learn from the experience and mistakes of others. Exercising our humility and integrating valuable lessons into our lives is crucial. While this may not always be a luxury available to us, it should always be on our radar to consider the advice of the people that love us. It rings even more true when they have our best interests at heart and are qualified to offer the advice they give regarding the subject matter.

Final thoughts

Instead of finding your identity in your career, relationships, or other gauges of success, I suggest discovering it in God first (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can enjoy these avenues of human achievement in their time as God opens the door. But they should never be our most significant focus. If you find your identity in Jesus Christ, it cannot be taken away, stolen, or otherwise lost. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39)! Take comfort in His presence today. We can find joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment in Him (Psalm 16:11). Everything He blesses us with in this life is the icing on the cake. The real blessing is having the chance to serve Him and spend eternity with God in Heaven. We should thank Him for everything from the little material blessings (i.e., a pen and paper) to the largest of spiritual ones (i.e., knowing Jesus Christ as Savior) and everything in between. May God empower us all to live for His glory without regrets and appreciate all those blessings we are given rather than focusing on what we may lack (1 Chronicles 16:29-30).

For those times that we have fallen short, we must quickly seek God to confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, repent, and ask Him to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We can move forward with a clean slate when we do things God’s way. Instead of carrying around the burden of our past trespasses, we can walk in confidence that God does not hold condemnation against us (Romans 8:1). We may approach His throne boldly and recognize that by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son, we have been counted righteous in His sight (Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

A key component of ensuring we keep God first revolves around avoiding idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). Idolatry can be deceptive because good things can become idols if we fail to approach them as God designed them. God blesses us with the chance to form deep connections with others that could potentially lead to marriage. However, we are not exercising wisdom if we prioritize these relationships over our devotion to God. Sex is also a blessing from God, but if we have it outside of His design in marriage, it is a sin and carries consequences with it (Hebrews 13:4). Thank God forgiveness is available to those of us who have fallen short in such areas. Still, our responsibility is to battle them and repent. These two blessings go hand-in-hand with God’s intentions for creation, and God designed them for us to enjoy in their proper place (Mark 10:7-8). The problem arises when we do not follow God’s guidance with the gifts He has given us.

When we think we are standing in victory from a disposition of self-righteousness and pride, we are also terribly mistaken (1 Corinthians 10:12). We all have different strengths and weaknesses. It would be imprudent of me to judge someone harshly because they struggle with a sin I find easy to abstain from. In our hearts, we must remember that there is always room for improvement in at least one if not many, areas of weakness. We should let that reality lead us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought and esteem others more highly than ourselves whenever possible (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:3). If not, our pride and self-righteousness may become serious precursors to significant falls (Proverbs 16:18-19).

Sometimes, even though we feel we are in good standing with God, we must ask God to examine and help us align our heart’s desires with His will (Proverbs 3:5-6). We may have a problem that may be hard to detect due to being desensitized to the gravity of the situation. Perhaps it stems from ignorance, habitual sin, or the long-term underestimation of a foothold that became a prominent issue or a stronghold. Thankfully, God can help us take thoughts captive and empower us to demolish strongholds we may have mistakenly allowed our adversary to develop (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). A combination of humility, self-awareness, and prayer can be the antidote we need to resolve these issues immediately. The sooner we cut a small sin off at its root, the better off we will be long-term, for it will not have the chance to grow (Matthew 5:29-30).

It is vital to pursue the well-being of our loved ones and help them when they are willing to consider our advice. Sometimes we can offer the truth in love to a fellow brother or sister in Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15). It can bring temporary discomfort or, in extreme cases, potentially cost us that relationship altogether. But they may need to hear what we say, which could become an eternal blessing (Galatians 6:1-3).

I only advocate that we do this with careful consideration of factors such as our proximity to them relationally, the timing of relevant circumstances, and their willingness to heed our advice in prior instances. Sometimes we must be willing to risk a friendship to offer them the direction they might not realize they desperately need. There are enough people out there that are willing to tell you what you desire to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Good friends occasionally offer advice that challenges and steers us to consider our decision-making.

When you give this kind of advice, it is wise to pray beforehand and ensure it is with good intentions. Speak the truth with love and offer it gracefully in proportion to the topic’s sensitivity. Transparency with your difficulty in a similar area may help them understand they are not alone in their struggle (Matthew 7:1-5). They may not appreciate it now but will be grateful in the long run. If you receive such constructive criticism or judgment, try to exercise self-control and discernment (James 1:19-20). It may be difficult not to get defensive, but ask yourself if the person has your best interests at heart and is qualified to offer advice about the topic. You should take their advice with a grain of salt when one of these requirements is lacking. Seek God’s guidance above all in prayer to find confirmation before you make any sudden decisions.

Ultimately, we all need each other and God above all others. Do not hesitate to act if you are confident God is leading you to do so. But remember that God often aligns us with His will and speaks to us through the loved ones He surrounds us with. Keep in mind that God will never contradict His Word. Seek and obey Him above all others, but try to maintain the humility to recognize when you are given quality advice from someone perhaps older, wiser, or otherwise more experienced than you in certain areas. Their words may not be as gracious as you desire, but if acting on them would save you from a world of pain, they are crucial to consider.

We do not need to look any further than the example of Paul in Philippians. He wisely found satisfaction and joy in God rather than spend His time dwelling on his dire circumstance (Psalm 16:11). Paul found Himself in the equivalent of a dungeon. Yet by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s lead, he shared the book of Philippians with us. Despite the imprisonment, Paul was rejoicing (Philippians 4:4), encouraging fellow believers to abstain from anxiety (Philippians 4:6), and filled with the peace of God (Philippians 4:7).

If we focus on things to be grateful for and trust God to provide what we lack, we arrive at a disposition of contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10). But, of course, I am not advocating apathy or laziness. There is still a place to retain a certain degree of ambition. We should not merely sit back waiting for something to happen. Instead, we ought to be proactive about pursuing the dreams God has led us to while simultaneously finding satisfaction in our current situation. The key is to have such aspirations focused primarily on the things of God rather than the allures of the world (Psalm 63:1). Paul discovered that by making God his ultimate source of joy, He could find contentment in all the situations he found himself in (Philippians 4:10-13). Jesus Christ strengthened him to endure hardship and meditate on the things that carried an eternal significance (Philippians 4:8-9).

When we are grateful, it also puts us in a position to worship God. At that moment of thanksgiving, we often gravitate toward acknowledging the generosity of God in our lives. I like to thank God for everything from the smallest of material blessings to the largest of spiritual ones and everything in between. For instance, I am thankful for the keyboard I utilize to write Biblical-based content like this, and I am eternally grateful for my relationship with Jesus Christ. These are blessings that God chose to provide me, and being thankful to Him for them shows Him that I recognize His countless gifts in my life.

The correlation between gratitude and humility is also vital to understand. Without God, we can do nothing of eternal significance. God empowers us to bear fruit only in, with, and through Jesus Christ (John 15:5). Such a reality should lead us to always rely on God and thank Him in the process. Our calling is to glorify God, and we must trust Him to supply our needs. It should be intuitive to avoid taking for granted when God meets those needs. Instead of allowing entitlement to take root, we must humble ourselves before our Maker (Matthew 23:12). Gratitude and humility will lead us to adopt a perspective of appreciation toward God no matter our challenges.

It is dangerous to think so highly of oneself to the point where we believe we are self-sufficient (Romans 12:3). We are more vulnerable than we would like to admit. This meekness is often an attribute of those whom God will lovingly choose to carry out His work (1 Corinthians 1:27). God will strengthen us to overcome our weaknesses and give Him all the glory for it (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Thank God for filling the gap between our shortcomings and accomplishing His will for us. If you put Him first in your life, you will remain at the center of His will. May God continue to help us surrender to His sovereignty in more and more aspects of our lives as we remain grateful for His providence (Luke 1:52).

One of the most significant blessings stemming from Christian hospitality is bridging gaps of understanding across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic divides. It allows us to share God’s love and connect with people we might not have encountered otherwise. There is no telling how offering a listening ear, sharing a meal, or offering a kind word could bless someone. Imagine the impact of these types of actions throughout a lifetime. Of course, not all of us can share this gift in the same manner, but perhaps we may feel compelled by God to do so uniquely. It is also possible to improve how we do so over time, which may drive some of us to practice taking such actions frequently. Inspiring other recipients in our path to pay it forward in their walk with God can yield eternal dividends (Matthew 25:35-40).

There is no better example of these actions than those found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Therefore, if we become more like Him in our sanctification, it would make sense to follow His example. For instance, he demonstrated the unfathomable humility of washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:4-15). The lowest servant in the household was typically responsible for such a duty, yet the God of the Universe willingly did this so that we would do the same for one another. He also cared for and healed the sick (Mark 1:40-45), welcomed and blessed the children (Matthew 19:13-15), reached out to societies outcasts (Luke 19:1-10), and spoke to a large crowd who He also fed instead of turning them away (Matthew 14:13-21). By any measure, Jesus Christ consistently demonstrated hospitality and His love through His actions. Therefore, we should follow His example and practice hospitality to the people we encounter.

Our motivation for every action we take is critical to take into account. Concerning Christian hospitality, we can find a sense of satisfaction intrinsic to such steps. After all, we know giving is a greater blessing than receiving (Acts 20:35). If we take action from a disposition of love, generosity, humility, and genuine desire to be a blessing to other people, we will find joy intrinsically and inextricably linked to the kind of actions we take. We recognize that God gave us all the strength, energy, resources, and capabilities required to provide a helping hand to those who need it. While we might be in a position to provide help now, there is no telling when we might be the ones who require assistance ourselves. Such a reality check affirms our vulnerability and humbles us to recall that we rely on God for everything. After all, all good and perfect gifts come from Him (James 1:17). Our ability to serve others is a privilege, not a burden.

It is vital to all of us that we do not over-extend ourselves and risk burning out in our service. We need self-awareness and discipline to take a step back when we require a proper dose of rest (Exodus 34:21). God encourages us to rest at least one day a week for a good reason. When we rest, we demonstrate our faith in God’s provision. Instead of trying to take everything into our hands, we surrender that control to God in faith (1 Peter 5:7). It is a blessing from God to enjoy these breaks because it is easy to get caught up in the race of our daily routines. We do not want to make productivity an idol, and we should learn to identify when to take a step back for prolonged rest as God calls us to do so. Consider how even small packets of rest in stillness build our trust in God. Take confidence that He is working things behind the scenes of our lives in our favor as He sees fit (Psalm 46:10). I recognize this is a challenging feat for those of us who have a strong work ethic and tend towards uncompromising diligence. Still, we would be foolish to neglect to embrace God’s gift (Galatians 6:9).

Ultimately it is a beautiful desire to do God’s work consistently. After all, our capacity to do so is directly enabled and directed by His providence. As long as we maintain a good balance between serving others and attending to our needs when appropriate, we will maximize our likelihood of succeeding. That way, we can demonstrate hospitality the way God intends. If you burn out from any excess, it is unhelpful to anyone, no matter how good your intentions may be.

We must recognize our limitations and remember that God supplies all our needs. I would suggest this is a skill for us to master because we live in a world that often promotes hustling and productivity to the extreme. Take care of yourself and open the door for your loved ones to offer a helping hand on occasion. There is no shame in it, and none of us is as invincible as we may think. These seasons take humility, but the better we get at correctly identifying these dynamics, the less frequently we will struggle to rest, recover, and return to effectively being God’s hands and feet (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). We all have different thresholds for this, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but I encourage you to learn your limits and draw boundaries to protect your well-being accordingly.

I pray that today’s article will compel you to demonstrate hospitality and seek God’s guidance on how He may desire you to do so. May God receive all the glory for all that we do. We are the salt of the earth and serve as a light in a dark world (Matthew 5:13-16). Let us not forget the urgency in pursuing God’s design for us in supporting one another in the process. None of us can ever go wrong by whole-heartedly, prayerfully, and humbly seeking God’s will. Keep fighting the good fight of faith and surrender to Him daily (1 Timothy 6:12). There is no better place to be than at the center of God’s will for you.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV).

There are times when I actively pursue God with outstanding zeal and other seasons when I find my attention divided (Luke 10:38-42). Sometimes it is rooted in mistakenly erecting idols or spreading ourselves too thinly across many areas (1 Corinthians 10:14). We might find ourselves in a state of satisfaction where we immerse ourselves in the things of God but then allow elements of compromise to open the door to complacency. A certain degree of self-awareness helps greatly in cases like this. If we realize that our hearts are not all-in for God’s glory, we can at least acknowledge that change is needed (2 Corinthians 13:5). Otherwise, it is easy to continue to slip away from God. As any seasoned believer will tell you, only bad things can come from that. The last thing we can afford to concede is our intimacy with Jesus Christ (John 15:4-6).

In cases like these, we might also make the mistaken connection of thinking that our standing with God might improve based on our performance. In terms of salvation, this could not be further from the truth (Ephesians 2:8-9)! Likewise, if we do things for God, they should flow out of gratitude and transformation in our lives (Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:10). In other words, we know that God will not love us anymore or any less based on what we do. We cannot earn God’s grace (unmerited favor). By definition, it is something we do not deserve in the first place. Suffice it to say that we are inspired to do good works as a result of being believers, not to become saved or maintain our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our world sidetracks us with many distractions that detract from our focus on eternity. We must remind ourselves and other loved ones that such endeavors may not effectively redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16-21). At times we tend to concentrate on the circumstances this world puts us in with greater attention than that which we extend toward God. Meanwhile, we should recognize God’s sovereignty and find our ultimate source of comfort, satisfaction, solutions, and rest in Him (Psalm 16:11). Instead, we tend to resort to our efforts to solve problems that often only serve to stress us out or instill worry in us concerning matters outside our control (Matthew 6:34). Furthermore, many of these issues that we blow out of proportion eventually prove less of a threat to our lives than we thought they would be.

Of course, I am not advocating that we settle into a pattern of passivity and fail to address the outstanding issues we must face. On the contrary, God wants us to be faithful and fearlessly seek His will in good and bad times. The key is to remember that God and His numerous provisions are available to us as we face these battles (2 Peter 1:3). Rather than attempting to handle something alone, we can follow God’s will and seek counsel from others who can offer wisdom on navigating the situation (Proverbs 11:14). Likewise, instead of worrying about our circumstances, we can pray to God and surrender our requests, concerns, and anxieties at His feet (1 Peter 5:7). Finally, we may need to exercise humility if personally stressed or on the verge of burnout. Sharing that information with our loved ones who God has surrounded us with and seeking His help and peace is crucial (Galatians 6:9-10).

Another issue that pops up on an alarming basis is the perception that one has tasted enough of God’s presence (Ecclesiastes 8:3). For instance, we may live in a toxic work environment or face countless worldly situations from one Sunday to the next. We might think that as long as we replenish ourselves with God’s Word for that Sunday service, we can handle a whole week without continuing to pursue God. Then we are caught off guard when we do not feel God’s presence as intimately and lack spiritual nourishment (Psalm 46:10). We need to recognize that a brief sermon is not sufficient to cope with the weight of this world across the span of a week.

As such, we must consider options such as surrounding ourselves with Christian fellowship, personal Bible study, involvement in a Church small group, and maintaining an active prayer life (Hebrews 10:25, 1 Chronicles 6:11). I am not saying all these things are necessary simultaneously. Still, in a general sense, they serve to edify you and those around you in extraordinary ways over time (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13). They also open the door for you to share your insight with other believers and allow you to serve God in the process.

One of the key takeaways from all this is to recall that it isn’t likely that we remain stationary in our walk with Jesus Christ. Instead, we walk toward Him or away from Him with every decision we make (Joshua 24:15). While we cannot lose our salvation through patterns of continuous, unrepentant sin, it should concern us if we are not observing sanctification in our lives overall (1 Thessalonians 4:3). It follows that our intimacy with Jesus Christ should be prioritized and could suffer if we fail to neglect such concerns. We must avoid compromise at all costs and draw nearer to God at every opportunity (Isaiah 55:6). Every decision tends to lead us closer or further away from God. We should set our sights on the significance of eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ and recall how brief our life is by comparison (Psalm 144:4, James 4:14). As such, let us seek God and His will by actively pursuing a relationship with our Lord and Savior. After all, it is only in, with, and through Jesus Christ that we successfully do anything of eternal value.

We should often remind ourselves to thank God for everything, from the smallest of material blessings to the largest of spiritual ones (1 Corinthians 15:57). We should keep a firm grasp on the fact that with Jesus Christ, we have all we need (Romans 11:36). Additionally, we can still appreciate the alternative blessings that He lavishes upon us. Refrain from letting the allure of the world captivate you into thinking that it is exclusively fame, money, power, influence, or materialism that will provide happiness (Romans 12:2).

If we play the comparison game, we will always find that we do not stack up on some level, which breeds envy, jealousy, and discontentment (Ecclesiastes 4:4, James 4:2-3). Instead, we must remember that our value stems from our identity as God’s children (Ephesians 2:10, Genesis 1:27). Additionally, He saw it fit to bless you with eyesight, internet access, shelter, and leisure time to learn about God and His Word. If you are alive and reading this, it is clear you are among the most blessed people on earth!

Hopefully, you already know Jesus Christ, but if you are not yet a believer, God has inspired you to read this article. Perhaps He prompted your heart and sparked a curiosity that led you to visit this page today. Do not chalk this up to mere coincidence. Today is the day of salvation, and there is no better time than the present to acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior if you have not already done so (2 Corinthians 6:2). None of us should take for granted every day of mercy that God patiently provides for more people to come to saving faith through His Son, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9).

When I struggle through a difficult time, feel disappointed, frustrated, or otherwise find myself in a negative state of mind, I try to remember how fortunate I am. We live in an era of human history where most people live under better circumstances than the royalty of prior centuries. Yet, surprisingly, many of our most significant obstacles are often manufactured by excess indulgences, luxuries, instant gratification, and comfort. Therefore, we need to exercise discipline and self-control to avoid being consumed by these seductive pitfalls. Some things are a blessing as long as we practice moderation, but the minute we overdo it, those same blessings can become a problem (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).

For instance, we can enjoy eating to some degree. Still, the moment we step into gluttony, we know we do more harm than good (Ezekiel 16:49, Philippians 3:19, Proverbs 28:7). It is reasonable to seek a life partner one day that we may eventually marry. Still, if we obsess about a specific person or idolize the gift of marriage, we set ourselves up for a rude awakening. Any time we attempt to substitute the longings in our hearts to worship and draw closer to God with anything else, we will not find lasting joy or satisfaction.

Notice that both of these examples can be blessings from God if they are done His way, in His timing, to the extent He desires for us (1 Corinthians 10:31, Proverbs 18:22, Genesis 2:18). However, we must be aware that even intrinsically good things can be detrimental to us. It is the Creator that we must worship, not His creation. The appetites of the flesh, including the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, are insatiable. We must not cater to them, for they have the potential to consume us (1 John 2:16, Romans 6:23). Limited and finite things, even other human beings, cannot fill the void that only an unlimited, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God can (Psalm 16:11).

I encourage you to reflect and take inventory today about what you are thankful for and whether God remains your primary focus. As long as we keep our eyes on our Savior and immerse ourselves in His will, we will find that we will run the race of this life with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1). He gives us all we need to press forward and enjoy the journey (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, do not put yourself in a position where you look back on this life and fail to maximize the time for His glory (Ephesians 5:15-18, 1 Corinthians 10:31). God’s will for you is to immerse yourself in His purpose in light of His calling upon your life (Romans 8:28). Anything less is not living up to His will for you. Delight in God and derive satisfaction from fulfilling that mission (Psalm 37:4-7). It is only a matter of time before we reach the finish line on this side of Heaven and enjoy eternal life with Him (2 Timothy 4:7).

There may have come times in our past when an individual or group of people wronged us, and it had a substantial negative impact. Under these circumstances, we must forgive them. God has graciously and mercifully forgiven us countless times (Matthew 6:14-15). Who are we not to extend that same courtesy to other people? God calls us even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). There is no room for grudges, unforgiveness, and bitterness in the life of a believer. Life is far too short for us not to move on from these events. Of course, there may be circumstances where the grievance might frankly be unforgettable. We may even be prudent in ensuring that we do not put ourselves in a position to be taken advantage of again the same way. I think that this protocol would not be mutually exclusive to forgiveness. In other words, we can both forgive someone and avoid allowing them an opportunity to hurt us again. When we face these kinds of issues, we need to exercise discernment. Furthermore, we would be wise to ask God to enlighten us in prayer to figure out how to handle each situation one at a time (James 1:5).

A lot of us tend to steer away from any semblance of conflict. When it does not seem necessary, I tend to do the same. However, it takes confrontation to move beyond an issue in many instances. Maybe we have someone we need to reach to clear the air or set the record straight. Even if we decide this is the right course of action, it will suit us well to tame our temper. For instance, we can make sure we are not emotionally charged and try our best to empathize with their perspective before we engage them. The last thing we want to do is compound the problem with a new argument and cause more problems because we failed to exercise self-control in a critical moment. While this approach may not address the issue exactly when we face it, we are not sweeping it under the rug either. The last thing we want to do is bury our problems, arguments, and conflicts one at a time until, one day, things get out of hand. In this sense, I think there is merit to facing each challenge as it comes rather than allowing the accumulation of more minor problems to become a bigger one. Otherwise, petty issues that we failed to address in the past can potentially catch us with an unpleasant surprise in the future (Ephesians 4:26-31).

Another aspect of this we often face as believers has to do with our past sins. Instead of carrying that weight around with us, we should remind ourselves of God’s forgiveness. If God forgives us, who are we not to forgive ourselves for our shortcomings? If you still face the residual guilt of a sin God forgave a long time ago, you are doing yourself a disservice and carrying around an unnecessary burden (Psalm 55:22). If we already surrendered that at the foot of the cross, it has no business in our lives. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus who walk according to the Spirit instead of the flesh (Romans 8:1). Take solace in God’s Word in times of trouble and submit your past along with its problems to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:7). None of us is perfect. We have all fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). God’s grace should not serve as a license to continue sinning, but we can trust that His grace, mercy, and love meet us amid our shortcomings when we need them most (Romans 6:1-4).

Do not give the adversary a foothold in your life. If you feel the temptation to rush into sin or make a hasty decision, it is not from God. God provides us with ways of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). You are not alone in the battles you face. Whether seen or unseen, make sure you rely on God rather than your willpower to persevere. Our human will is limited and will eventually fail us (Proverbs 3:5-6). This reality makes it essential to rely on God to provide us the strength, wisdom, and discretion among His numerous other provisions. Some other examples include His full armor, prayer, and worship. These blessings empower us to cling to Him and experience victory by His power in times of distress. After all, apart from Jesus Christ operating in, with, and through us, we could never accomplish anything of eternal value. But with Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), and God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). May He always receive all the glory for the victories we experience (1 Chronicles 29:11).

There are some interesting side effects of focusing outside of ourselves. Perhaps it never rings truer than when we apply this energy and attention to the matters that God wants us to direct our focus. I cannot remember when I felt any regret after pursuing God’s will. On the contrary, there is a strong association with giving our time, energy, and effort that correlates with personal satisfaction. As our Lord and Savior said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).” There is joy and peace associated with executing God’s purposes with a cheerful attitude. While the aspects of being a cheerful giver in a monetary sense are explicitly stated in God’s Word, serving God in many other forms with a similar disposition has proven to be a significant blessing in my life (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Another noteworthy aspect of looking outside oneself is avoiding idolatry of our situation. As mentioned above, there may be seasons where you need to look out for yourself with God’s help to sustain yourself. Situations that require radical attention to one’s care are part of life as it often gets quite challenging. However, looking at the big picture, it is crucial to avoid doing this exclusively at the expense of generosity. Instead, we ought to open our hearts to the needs of others because in fulfilling those needs, we will see that God often meets our needs in the process (Proverbs 11:25). When we find ourselves in a situation to offer a helping hand, counsel a friend, or volunteer to help someone in need, we are simultaneously relying on God to help us continue to look after ourselves. Rather than the emptiness found in seeking pleasure, comfort, and luxuries for ourselves at all times, we instead get to enjoy the fruits of our labor for others (Philippians 2:3-4). 

How often have we seen those who appear to have everything the world offers face intense personal turmoil? It doesn’t take much time to observe a lack of fulfillment, direction, and satisfaction plague even those with the most money, fame, and power. There is deceitfulness about the riches in this life and the numerous, fleeting allures of the flesh (Mark 4:18-20). But, of course, having a lot of money is not always a curse when we approach it with a desire to steward it for the glory of God. If God equips you to do so, it can be a responsibility that He can bless you with the wisdom to allocate appropriately (Mark 25:14-30). 

The key is that He would guide our motivations and that we would submit to His will with it. It becomes a problem when we seek it for personal enrichment alone without consideration for what God would lead us to do with it. After all, if our entire lives genuinely revolve around the will of God, then we should also surrender our finances to His lead. Granted, we’re not all called to sell all we have and donate it outright, as we observe in the parable of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:21-22). However, that doesn’t take away from the responsibility involved with what we do with it. If we utilize a good portion of it for the things of God over the long haul, we will experience those fruits. Putting money to work for God will yield eternal reward, and there is no better investment than that. To do so successfully takes consistent prayer, generosity, and open-mindedness to the commands of God when we know He is guiding us in a particular direction. 

One last aspect of outward focus that deserves attention is deciding how to allot our time. If our hearts are fully seeking God, the way we invest our time will reflect that reality. Remember, where we invest our treasure is a vital indicator of the status of our hearts (Matthew 6:19-21). It may not be a common realization or at least something we don’t always consider, but time is among our greatest treasures here on earth. Each passing minute is one we will not have the chance to assign to another pursuit again. As such, we should consider doing things for God with a sense of urgency. There is a limited amount of time on earth, but every minute has the potential to have an eternal impact (Ephesians 5:15-21). For instance, taking proactive steps to pursue evangelism opportunities, interceding in prayer, or actively utilizing our God-given talents could yield eternal blessings. The key is that we don’t allow this urgency to stress us out but abide in God as we serve Him with intentionality. Doing His work should not become a heavy burden, and we need to seek Him to refresh us when we feel weary (Galatians 6:9, Matthew 11:28-30). 

At the end of our lives, we will not regret one minute invested in seeking God and building His Kingdom. I cannot say the same for the time we squandered pursuing the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Thankfully, if you are reading this as a believer, you no longer have to concern yourself with the weight of past mistakes. Surrender your cares to God, and move on with the complete confidence that you do not need to dwell in condemnation anymore (Romans 8:1). Once God has forgiven you, forgive yourself, repent, and pursue God in such a way that demonstrates you have learned from your mistakes. Once you do that, there is nothing that will be able to hold you back from accomplishing God’s will, and your sacrifices on this earth will one-day yield everlasting blessings none of us can even fathom (Romans 8:18). May God bless you with the desires of your heart as you continually seek to align those longings with His will for you (Psalm 37:4).