Significance. It’s amazing how one little word can encompass so many different meanings in people’s minds. For some, significance comes from acquiring wealth and riches. For many, it’s power and prestige. For those who are more content in life it’s often the simple peace of having needs met and a family to love.
Yes, that word carries various meaning and conjures up various images for each of us. But, for the child of God, the concept of true significance stems from pursuits that positively impact both the now and the hereafter.
In this life we will have moments we deem significant. But what matters is not if they are significant to us, but if they are significant to God. We have limited time on earth to carry out our part in God’s plan. And, as believers, our focus should be to focus on what God deems significant. The Bible is clear that what many deem important in the here and now will either be fleeting and forgotten or will flourish for all eternity.
Matthew 6:19-21 reminds believers of this truth: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
As believers we should tuck this verse into our hearts and carry it with us every day. We are to treasure what our Father above treasures. We are to view each day with a heavenly perspective in mind. We should wake refreshed with the mindset that each new day affords us an opportunity to do something significant for the kingdom!
For some, 2017 will be a fresh start bearing much fruit. Matthew 7:16 reminds us: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the seeds that are sown when we are living a life of significance:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Sadly, for many, 2017 will be defined by missed opportunities to invest, to plant, to change. Seeds of selfishness will be sown, producing a desert, while seeds of selflessness producing a harvest will be ignored. Jesus made it clear when he spoke to his disciples in Matthew 9:37 that as followers, we are to share in the important task at hand and be the workers. He said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”
What better time than the beginning of a new year to set ourselves on the right course? What better time to reevaluate priorities and establish worthy pursuits? The new year provides a clean slate and a wonderful opportunity to start afresh. It gives another chance to get things right and make a mark for our Maker.
As you enter 2017 ask yourself the following: Will you personally decide to do what’s necessary to make an impact for eternity? Will you invest in others or just yourself? Will you make a mark or just a fading memory? Will you take a stand and make a difference or sit it out and be ineffective? Will you determine today to make your life’s purpose one of significance?
Will you commit today to engage in the things that matter to our Heavenly Father? Will you decide to use your gifts, time, and resources to sew investments that will forever reap a blessing? Will you pledge today to be a worker in God’s harvest and be about your Father’s business?
Will your 2017 be significant?