I have a problem. My problem is that I constantly allow little things to ruin the big picture of life. In fact, I think many of us have this problem if we get really honest with each other.
The little things…
- I got off on the wrong exit.
- I spilled tomato soup on my white t-shirt.
- Someone left a nasty comment on my blog.
- My internet often cuts out when streaming video.
- My cell-phone service is horrible when I’m at home.
- That restaurant always takes forever to bring out my food.
- I cannot believe Chik-Fil-A is closed on Sundays.
- I wonder if they are going to like me.
- I was stuck in traffic for like 10 minutes.
- A rock made a small crack in the windshield of my car.
None of these things actually matter. They’re all irrelevant. They’re stupid. And if we’re really honest with one another, none of them deserve the level of negativity in my life that I so graciously give them. It’s all a lie. It’s a facade. Get over it, Jarrid!
The Biggest Enemy of Success
I’ve come to realize that one of the biggest enemies of success is self-critique and the worry. They truly infect our way of viewing life the way that God intended. I don’t think many of us take notice to the amount of small things that we allow to ruin the bigger picture of life. The Bible paints a beautiful picture on how we should handle worry.
“25 That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”—Matthew 6:25-34
Don’t let the little things get you down. Stay focused on the bigger picture of God’s promises, the reality that we have been extended a hand of grace through Jesus, and that there is nothing that can get in the way of your purpose in this world.
