Years ago, a family I know well had their home catch fire. Everyone was okay, and they were able to rebuild, but this instance caused me to consider what I would grab first if my house was on fire. What matters most to me? What few things would I save, if I had the chance?

Our lives can sometimes be chaotic. The noise of news, popular culture, and social media can clutter our thinking. But as followers of Jesus, we must resolve what matters the most to us. Surely, Jesus should be at the top of our list. The Apostle Paul said, “To me, to live is Christ.” If we’re living for Him, we then have to consider whether our actions line up with our values. Are we investing in relationships to share the Good News? Are we engaging in a community with other followers of Jesus? Are we living out His love for people in our everyday lives?

Often, people don’t clarify what matters most in their lives until difficulty strikes. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we clarify what matters most now, we will be much more effective in living for Christ always.

This is Luis Palau