Does It Really Matter?

April 6, 2010

By Vonda Skelton

Posted in: Christian Living

Does It Really Matter?

As you know, the first week of each month we take a look at a spiritual truth and its application to us as brothers and sisters in Christ. In the past we've looked at the first two questions God gave me as He began the process of making me into a new creation. The questions, "Who is it about?" and "What is my motive?" brought us face-to-face with the continuous struggle we have with our hearts.

Today we'll look at the third question: "Does it really matter?"

I have a profound truth to share today: None of us are called to a ministry of criticism.

Even though no official committee exists, it's easy to recognize its members. Perhaps you're one of them. I tend to maintain a cycle of joining and resigning this committee over and over, year after year. Let's face it, it's easy to see the failures of others. It's even easier to think it's up to us to straighten them out.

Now the truth is, God may have purposely placed us in a position to help someone with an issue. But before we move forward and act, we need to evaluate our hearts and monitor our minds with these additional questions:

  • Is it truly a problem, or is it just my preference? I'm learning that I don't have to say everything I think. I may not like the music, the bulletin may have glaring errors, and the nursery's new paint color may look like it came from the dump, but in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter?
  • Does it have eternal consequences? Is it an issue of sin, or simply a matter of tradition? Will it affect someone's heart for eternity, or is it simply my taste over theirs?
  • Can I make a difference? If it's a matter of maturity, can I mentor them into a place of seeking God's will in their actions? Can I help them grow in the love and admonition of the Lord?
  • Am I contributing to the Body's strength or to its weakness?

I wish I could tell you that once God gave me these questions, I corrected my mind and heart and my motives have been completely pure ever since. But that's not the way the Christian life works. If we're honest, it's an ongoing process in our lives. And that means there has to be an ongoing evaluation of our hearts, for both our personal and our writing lives.

So the next time we're angry and ready to give someone a piece of our minds, let's ask ourselves, "Does it really matter?"

(Photo courtesy of Bob Spalding Photography)

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It's Time to Send Me Your Kudos!

Have you had a new publication? Released a new book? Signed a contract? Built a new website? Started a new ministry? If so, I want to hear from you! Just email me with the following:

  • Your name
  • Your state
  • Your good news
  • Available links to your website and the publication
  • Lo res jpg photos of bookcovers

Next week we'll all celebrate with you!

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Where are You?

I'll be in the following areas in the next few weeks and would love to see you!

  • Spartanburg, SC April 10--The Writer's Express 
  • Rocky Mount, NC April 16--Parkwood Baptist Church Women's Event 
  • Washington, NC April 17--Southern Christian Women's Conference 
  • Middleton, CT April 23-25--Faith Christian Assembly Women's Retreat and Sunday Service

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And now, as we consider our relationships with others, let's focus on the words of Paul, written to church at Philippi:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda