Where Do Your Interests Lie?
What kinds of things are you interested in? I would say that each of us could answer this, and we would get many different answers. Some of the answers would be the same, but we all have different things that we like to do. Some are interested in sports. We just had the college tournaments in basketball (March Madness), and many enjoyed watching these games, even if their favorite team was not a part of the tournament. Baseball season has just begun for the major leagues, and stadiums will be full with those who have an interest in baseball. Other sports are taking place that some may enjoy. The interest that we have could be on anything. Many different things.
In the book of Matthew in the Bible the other day, I noticed something that Jesus said. He was telling the apostles that He would suffer many things from the rulers of the people, be killed and would rise again. Peter rebuked Him telling Him, “...This shall never happen to you.” (Matthew 16:21-22) NASB Jesus told Peter, “...Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.” (Matthew 16:23)
Did you notice that Jesus told Peter his interests in were in the wrong place? He was more concerned about the things that men thought than what God thought. When you look around today, do you find this to be true in our culture? Many people are more concerned about what culture deems important than they are about what our Lord and Savior considers important.
The apostle John stated in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” Many today are in love with the world and what it can provide. John tells us the world is passing away and its lusts (desires), but the one who does the will of God will live forever.
As you consider these words today, where is your interest? Is it in the things that this world has to offer, or is it on spiritual things, the things of God? Today, many people have decided the things that matter the least are more important than trying to please God. Some think religious things are for women and children. I assure you they are important for them, but not only them. Every person has sinned (Romans 3:23). Every person needs the Savior, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Every person needs to let the things of God come before any other thing they do (Matthew 6:33).
So where do your interests lie? On the things of God, or the things of this world? They must be on God. Take time for other things, but do not ignore God in doing so.