NOVEMBER 4

Focus on What Matters

Matthew 6:19-21

SHOPPING SEASON HAS ARRIVED! Admit it: you’re already on a roll! You’ve started swiping your credit card all over town hoping to get in on the early bird sales. And Black Friday is coming still!

But in the midst of all the shopping, preparations for family to arrive, and just sheer mayhem when it comes to getting ready for this special time of year, I urge you to pause regularly as a family and consider God’s perspective on what really matters. Start by reading the following aloud.

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

MATTHEW 6:19-21

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you and your family balance the frenzy with more important things:

• Reflect and revise. Take a few moments as a family and talk openly about what matters most to you during this season of thanksgiving. Then, where needed, revise your plans and priorities to match those important things.
• Serve and worship. Make a commitment to reach out to and serve those around you who are less fortunate. Prepare some meals, fill some Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, spend time with a widow you know. Make certain you’re committed to being part of the ministry at your local church. Don’t use the holidays as a convenient reason to miss out on Sunday worship. Be there. Participate. Sing heartily. Pray fervently. Give generously. Listen closely.
• Finally, enjoy every minute together!

But don’t forget what really matters. Where your treasures are, that’s where your heart will follow!