The Only Thing That Counts

 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 NIV

It's not about how good you are. Or what you've accomplished. It's not about how beautiful you are. Or how well you can sing. It's not about your social status. Or how artistic you are. It's not about you purchasing your first house. Or the school your child attends. It's not about your next vacation. Or your retirement plan. It's not about you. Or your problems. It's not about how much you weigh. Or how young you look. It's not about how many friends you have. Or how many you don't. It is not about the time you've wasted. Or how you used it wisely. It's not about how sick you are. Or how you are the picture of health. It's not about your first love. Or how "the one" got away. It's not about being right. Or how you are always the one in the wrong. It's not about the bad times. Or how you let the good times roll. It's not about how successful you are. Or how you never even made it out of the gate. No, the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 NIV 

Choices

 We make choices every day. We decide what to wear, what to eat, who to befriend when to play or work. Yes, we make decisions every day. Do you realize that your choices have consequences? 

We live with those consequences every day and sometimes even longer. The selections you make each day will bear fruit, and that fruit can be good or bad. That's why it is essential to give thought to your ways. For the scripture says, "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:20-27 NIV

*Our heart—our feelings of love and desire—dictates to a great extent how we live because we always find time to do what we enjoy. Solomon tells us to do what we enjoy. Solomon tells us to guard our heart above all else, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections lead you in the right direction. Put boundaries on your desires: Don't go after everything you see. Look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin.

*Life Application Bible Notes 2007