It Matters “It doesn't matter” versus "This is what matters." “Maybe I'll do it” versus "I'm committed to this, no matter what." One of the biggest differences between a life of success and enjoyment and a life of failure and despair is what we decide matters. Achievement only comes where we treat the required things as important. The road to loss begins when we decide that the things that lead to growth aren't worth the effort. What matters gets faithful care, and what “doesn't matter” gets ignored. Knowing which things deserve our commitment, and where they lead, is essential for a positive and fulfilling direction in life. This principle is especially crucial in the new life we have been given in Christ. In Him there is a way of living that must matter to us if we are going to become who He made us to be. What we do with our bodies really matters. They are the temple of the Holy Spirit, so what we consume, how we exercise, and how we protect them all matter. The care and cultivation of the mind really matters. We are transformed into the image of Christ as our minds are renewed to think the way the Spirit thinks. What comes out of mouths really matters. Even the smallest word carries the power of life and death. Everything we have been given, for every breath and every moment, matters. Nothing is too small. The consequences and the rewards are certain. Notes What matters to us has been programmed over time. Gratification of certain things over others forms a perception of varying degrees of value. Things that matter are given priority of focus and energy. Like Truth that remains unaltered by our perception, so what really matters is unchanged by our programmed perception of it. The experience of new life in Christ is contingent upon alignment with the unaltered Truth of what really matters. When what matters is what really matters, a path is taken that averts peril and leads to true life. What really matters? 1. What we do with our bodies really matters. Not our body our choice, but His body, His choice. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (TPT) 19 Have you forgotten that your body is now the sacred temple of the Spirit of Holiness, who lives in you? You don’t belong to yourself any longer, for the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, lives inside your sanctuary. 20 You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God! It’s up to us to be disciplined physically, prepared for serving. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (TPT) 25 A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. 26 For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, 27 but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified. 2. The care and cultivation of the mind really matters. Transformation of the mind really matters Romans 12:2 (TPT) 2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. What you give attention to directly impacts the mind. Proverbs 4:20-22 (NKJV) 20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Every thought matters 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV) 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 3. What comes out of mouths really matters. Words carry the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) 21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose. There is a harvest from every word spoken. Matthew 12:35-37 (MSG) 35 A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. 36 Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. 37 Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation." The mouth is meant for blessing- it really matters. Ephesians 4:29 (TPT) 29 And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. It's by God's grace that what really matters is what matters to us. God is working in us to complete what really matters for His glory. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (TPT) 23 Now, may the God of peace and harmony set you apart, making you completely holy. And may your entire being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept completely flawless in the appearing of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. 24 The one who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete his work in you. Overview Our perspective of what matters is formed over time in the experience of life. What really matters is discovered in the presence of the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Our bodies are no longer our choice, but have been bought to be of service that really matters. The thoughts and high things that claim significance are brought down for the mind to align with the wisdom of God. Every word that comes from our mouth matters as it carries either life or death. With every letting go of our matters for His there is perfection in holiness that makes His glory known. Prayer To the One who is high and lifted up in glory, power, and wisdom I submit my whole being - spirit, soul, and body - to be set apart for Your glory. Let Your ways come alive through me as what really matters from You displaces all misaligned values and priorities. Make my every moment to be a reflection of Your heart and passion. You are my life and from You comes all that really matters. In Jesus’ Name Declarations In my new life in Christ I have received what really matters for every aspect of my spirit, soul, and body. I am no longer bound to follow after things that only lead to wasted time and effort. How I care for my body - what I consume, my exercise, hygiene, and my appearance are subject to what really matters from my Father. Every thought is of great significance as it is captivated to the obedience of Christ. The smallest word I speak is powerful with life or death. It really matters.