In the last post, we discussed the declining ability of modern folks to be able to control their focus and attention. It’s kind of a scary thing. There are so many distractions!

I believe that a large part of the problem is that we are losing the wisdom to know what is actually worth paying attention to.

In fact, neurologists and psychologists have found that one of our most crucial brain functions is to instantaneously disregard and ignore that which is not important.

When you don’t have a value-gauge to help you identify what is valuable, then everything appears equally important.

If we had to process every bit of data entering our heads, we’d go crazy. We survive by being good at ignoring the worthless and focusing on what’s important.

So, what’s important?

In the purely biological sense, it’s avoiding anything that will harm or kill you – a fire, car running a red light, or some other impending catastrophe.

But, in a deeper sense, as I alluded to above, when it comes to having a rich, successful, rewarding life, you need to first have a value-system that tells you what is important.

Then you focus on the things that support that value system.

What’s your value system?

That is, what will you make the greatest sacrifice for?

Money? A position? A relationship? Fame or admiration from others? Fitness or your physical appearance?

The Bible would suggest that there are a lot of things in the world that might seem important – but ultimately, end up being worthless. (Prov 14:12)

Sadly, many people choose to build their lives on sand instead of a solid foundation. (Matthew 7:24-27)

We can really waste a lot of time in our lives focusing on (ultimately) worthless things.

So it is really important to continuously reevaluate our lives and compare them with what the Word says is most important to focus on.

The sooner we get off the dead-end roads, the better.

Tomorrow, we’ll finish this up and talk about how to notice God in our lives.