Wisdom's Words: Everything Matters

As I go through life day-by-day, sometimes I wonder if my time is filled with anything of significance.  I get up, drive to work, spend eight hours following the same routines and procedures, drive home, squeeze in as many evening activities or projects as possible before the late hour gets the best of me, and fall into bed only to do the same thing all over again the next day.

The mundane:  a vicious cycle.  It's endless.  In reality, it is what consumes most of our time and energy.

Does it matter at all?  Do I spin my wheels in vain?  What about the calls I make, the emails I type, the newsletter I put together every week, the dishes I wash, the bathroom I clean, the refreshments I serve, the hug I give a little one, the words I speak to encourage or exhort?  Does it amount to anything?

The answer lies in my perspective. 

Consider this quote from Dr. Philip Ryken: 

"At the final judgment, it will matter how we used our time, whether we wasted it on foolish pleasures or worked hard for the Lord. It will matter what we did with our money, whether we spent it on ourselves or invested it in the eternal kingdom. It will matter what we did with our bodies—what our eyes saw, our hands touched, our mouths spoke. Whether we obey our father and mother will matter; so will the look we gave them and the little comment as we were walking away. What we did for the two-year-old will matter—the way we made time for her and got down on her level. What we said about someone else's performance will matter—the sarcastic remark or the word of genuine praise. The proud boast and the selfless sacrifice will matter. The household task and homework assignment will matter. The cup of water, the tear of compassion, the word of testimony—all of it matters. 

"The final message of Ecclesiastes is not that nothing matters but that everything does."*

This perspective gives purpose, joy, and fulfillment throughout all of life.  It does matter.  Everything matters.  Therefore, pursue what God gives - whatever it may be -  because it matters.

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,"

 Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."


*Philip Graham Ryken in Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters  p.281 (Crossway Books, 2010)