Seek righteousness first and use your life well
Years ago, I read the book, “The Life of Benjamin Franklin.” One memorable story told was when Benjamin Franklin was seven years old, his friends gave him some money. At once, he scurried off to a store that sold toys. But along the way, he met a boy who was playing a whistle. The youthful Benjamin was charmed by the sound. So he gave all of his money to the boy in exchange for the whistle.
When Benjamin returned home, he played the high-pitched whistle and enjoyed it. However, the piercing sound echoing through the house was disturbing to his family members. Moreover, when his family found out how much young Benjamin paid for the whistle, they told him he had foolishly given four times as much as the whistle was worth.
The whistle had then lost its charm. Disturbed, Benjamin asked himself, “What else could I have done with the rest of that money?” And although he was only seven years old, he realized he made a rash and unwise choice. Yet, Benjamin Franklin never forgot the lesson.
As the years went by, it was purported that when he observed what others did with their time and what was sacrificed and tolerated, he’d think to himself, “They’re giving too much for their whistles.” Moreover, throughout his life, as Franklin encountered different people, situations and experiences, he would often remind himself, “Don’t give too much for the whistle.”
The message of the story seemed clear to me. Time slips through our fingers so fast that sometimes we just have to say, “Stop. Wait a second.” And ask ourselves, “What are we giving for the whistle?”
The Bible tells us: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
God has entrusted you with 24 hours a day and 168 hours a week. There are so many incredible possibilities for your future. You have immeasurable potential, amazing skills and talents. So, how are you spending the time that God has given to you?
On Christmas morning, I recall how my family and I were sitting on the floor near the Christmas tree unwrapping gifts. Not long after, my middle daughter handed my youngest daughter eight small nicely wrapped packages. She had made the gifts herself. Mystified and wide-eyed with a big smile on her face, my youngest girl commented, “There are so many little things!”
In an instant, my middle daughter chimed in and said, “Yes… enjoy the little things.”
That’s what we need to do: Enjoy the little things. Today, slow down and take a careful look at all that you are doing. Right now is the best part of your day! It is a gift from God. Hence, let’s start this morning with an attitude of faith and plenty of gratitude, making the most of each precious minute.
Therefore, prioritize and be very selective about what people, places and things to which you give your time and attention. Move past negative thoughts and stop reliving failures. Let go of the unfair situations that are behind you. If you dwell on the past or fear the future, this can prevent you from enjoying today. The past is gone, and the future is the by-product of your present thinking and actions. The only time that exists is now, the present moment. The Bible says, “One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13).
I heard it said, “What you think about, and are thankful about, you bring about.” Many times, we let conditions control our attitude. Instead, let’s allow our attitude to control our conditions. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. So be determined to set your thoughts on whatever is “true, noble, right, pure, and lovely” (Philippians 4:8). For every minute spent upset is sixty seconds of happiness wasted. Positive dispositions are created, so we must keep our mind filled with thoughts that uplift and strengthen, pondering upon the good, the hopeful and upright.
A while back, an 83-year-old woman enthusiastically told me, “People ask when they look at my face with so few wrinkles what I do to keep so young.” As it is possible to read in our faces a record of our thoughts and what has been going on in our mind for years.
Then, the woman continued, “I tell them that whenever I have felt a wrinkle coming, I have laughed it away. My advice is to, “Be happy and don’t worry.” Laughter can make us better friends with ourselves and everyone around us. And it puts us in touch with what is best and brightest in our life.”
No matter what has happened to you, the Bible says that “All things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28). Regardless what is going on, use your life well. Devote time to your spiritual life. Take care of your health. Enjoy your beloved family. Build strong relationships. And make memories. Give to others. Good and noble kind deeds and actions can give us a new viewpoint and helping others also gets our mind off of our own problems.
Always appreciate and nurture what matters most to you. Speak aloud your heart’s desires. Declare your high expectations. Proclaim new opportunities are coming your way. State that challenging situations will soon change directions.
Remember, you can’t please everyone. Your responsibility is to please God. So, shield yourself from all the influences that would lead you away from the abundant life that God wants you to live.
When our first two daughters were little, we bought them a double stroller. So when we took our daily walks outside, the girls were seated next to each other. Just as my daughters were side by side, God is there alongside you. God loves you. His hand is upon you, and He has a storehouse of new blessings and joys in your future.
Keep God first place, “Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33) Take your cares, burdens and concerns to the Lord. And throughout your day, put your focus on Him. When you have your focus right, it will simplify your life and you’ll live happier, more peaceful and fulfilled.