In your opinion, what are the most important 3 things to care about? Do you have a list? For the record, I have a list. Interestingly, the things we care about most – directly influence how we live each day.
3 Things To Care About
As I’m working on this content, I wonder what 3 things you care about most. Equally, it would be inspirational for a group of us to sit around a table with a favorite mug – and share 3 things we care about most in life.
Incidentally, Scripture helps us identify and adopt 3 things to care about. Actually, this is helpful because it provides guidelines to prioritize your life each day.
God Identifies 3 Things To Care About
God provides His priorities to help you organize and manage your life in a complicated, fallen world. So, today’s content focuses on “individuals.” Yes, God cares about individuals – very much!
Essentially, from God’s perspective, the 3 things to care about always start with individuals.
So, let’s look:
- First, Jesus Christ, the individual – the “God-man.” Of course, God cares very much about Jesus. In fact, God identifies Jesus as the only connect-point between all individuals and God.
- Second, Individual people. God reaches to every individual ever born, including you. Remarkably, even all individuals around the world. People in war-torn countries. Those who are hungry. Especially, those who suffer and have been mistreated.
- Third, the Body of Christ – made up of individuals. Essentially, God cares about each individual in His family. Every person, with their unique skills and abilities, is central in His great heart.
Paul Identified 3 Things To Care About
Paul was busy starting churches, visiting believers, writing letters to encourage Jesus followers. Plus, he worked a career on the side to eek out a living. Additionally, he suffered severe persecutions.
Nevertheless, Paul cared about individuals. Passionately, he built up individuals, helped them know Jesus, and instructed them to live an Alive and Active Life in a fallen world.
Strategically, Paul –
- Proclaimed Jesus, the unique individual, as the only bridge to God.
- Communicated individuals are important to God, even while he poured into their faith.
- Wrote letters to churches with proofs that each individual in that Body is important to God.
Remarkably, Paul took time to mention numerous individuals in his letters. Take a look sometime!
Often, the flavor of his words is gratitude – as well as prayer support. Incidentally, he also told believers to follow his example of commitment to Jesus – AND to other individuals.
Also, Paul –
- Helped believers learn to build up each another.
- Then, trained them to spread the gospel of Jesus.
- Also, modeled how to side-step black holes that claim your time and energy.
- Interestingly, spoke against the pitfalls of “organized church.”
- Additionally, nurtured believers with fresh energy and care.
Radically, Paul just couldn’t get enough of Jesus. Literally, he couldn’t stop talking about Christ.
Dig Deeper – 3 Things To Care About
Let’s dig deeper into 3 things to care about.
1. Jesus Christ
Jesus is the most unique individual in all history. Subsequently, He completely changed the eternal course of mankind. His sinless, faithful life is exemplary.
Subsequently, every individual Christian should care about Jesus.
- First, to know Him as Savior and Friend.
- Second, to experience His tender compassion.
- Third, to receive Christ’s power to prevail against temptation.
- Fourth, to make Jesus central in your life. (Phil. 3:7-14)
- Finally, to pursue Him passionately in all life details.
Thankfully, the Son of God cares deeply about each individual. About you!
Actually, His teachings and miracles focus on individuals. Of course, Jesus cares about groups. Nevertheless, it always comes down to an individual’s response to Him.
Consequently, how much do you care about the individual, Jesus Christ?
2. Individual People
To be like Christ, focus on people who need Jesus. Afterall, these people are looking for –
- Truth.
- Also, a good example.
- Further, companionship.
- Importantly, a purpose for living.
This group of people includes –
- Any kind of professional.
- Heads of state.
- Under-privileged.
- Wealthy.
- Sick.
- Slave.
- Master.
- Man.
- Woman.
- Child.
- Any and every nationality – and so forth.
In fact, every individual needs Jesus.
Subsequently, pray for individuals God puts in your life. Additionally, look for practical ways to care about them.
Caring about individuals gives you purpose.
3. The Body of Christ
Building up individuals is a loving, thoughtful strategy to build Christ’s Body – the Church. Technically, these are your true brothers and sisters.
Consider –
- First, how are you using your spiritual gifts to care about brothers and sisters in Christ?
- Plus, how are you helping others discover their own spiritual gifts?
- Additionally, are you relating to individuals with the Fruit of the Spirit?
- Finally, when others hurt or rejoice, do you hurt or rejoice with them?
Essentially, caring about individuals helps strengthen Christ’s Body.
Practical Questions Reveal What You Care About
Let’s explore good questions to help you identify what you care about.
1. Jesus Christ
For starters, identify how central Jesus is in your heart:
- First, are you in Scripture daily?
- Next, have you made Jesus your first and best companion?
- Additionally, do you care about things Jesus cares about?
- Strategically, how do you show love for Him each day?
- Finally, what do you need to change?
2. Individual People
Next, identify your priorities about individuals:
- First, how do you show compassion and care for individuals?
- Plus, are you connecting with others in practical ways and becoming increasingly aware of their needs?
- Following that, how regularly do you pray for people’s needs?
- Then, do you call, write, or text to share an encouraging word?
- Incidentally, do you pray for people who mistreat you?
3. Body of Christ
Finally, identify how much you care about Christ’s Body:
- First, what service or gift do you share with other believers?
- Have you noticed – is there a person no one is helping in your church?
- So, what will you do about that?
- Next, how often do you pray for brothers and sisters?
- Further, do you tithe to show practical caring about individuals in Christ’s Church?
- Finally, do you remember needs of widows and orphans?
Build Important Things
Every day, you build important things –
- Your life.
- A reputation.
- Systems for living.
- A legacy.
Why not build into individuals as a lasting legacy? In this way, you become like Jesus. Plus, you perpetuate an Alive and Active Life.
Additional Ideas
These practical ideas help you care about the right things.
Start Here
The Psalmist says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test my thoughts. Point out anything You find in me that makes You sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Ps. 139:23-24)
When you care enough to ask these questions of God, you start to get in touch with what God cares about.
Let God Measure And Define You
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb. 13:8) He’s a safe “Measuring Stick.”
Consequently, it’s safe to let Him measure your character and identify your original design. Incidentally, this helps you figure out how to engage your design to care about individuals.
Creative Efforts
God is creative in His work. Strategically, He focuses on individuals. Additionally, He overcomes your enemies. Further, He engages wisdom and creative efforts on your behalf.
So, be creative, yourself.
- First and foremost, pursue close relationship with God each day.
- Next, explore His purpose for your life.
- Strategically, consider creative ways to help others.
- Finally, engage your skills, interests, and abilities to make a difference.
God always gives you opportunities for creative efforts to help individuals in practical ways.
Application Thoughts And Questions
First, let’s re-visit the questions we explored to identify what you care about.
1. Jesus Christ
Identify how central Jesus is in your heart:
- First, are you in Scripture daily?
- Next, have you made Jesus your first and best companion?
- Additionally, do you care about things Jesus cares about?
- Strategically, how do you show love for Him each day?
- Finally, what do you need to change?
2. Individual People
Identify where individuals are in your priorities:
- First, how do you show compassion and care for individuals?
- Plus, are you connecting with others in practical ways and becoming increasingly aware of their needs?
- Following that, how regularly do you pray for people’s needs?
- Then, do you call, write, or text to share an encouraging word?
- Incidentally, do you pray for people who mistreat you?
3. Body of Christ
Identify how much you care about Christ’s Church:
- First, what service or gift do you share with other believers?
- Have you noticed – is there a person no one is helping in your church?
- So, what will you do about that?
- Next, how often do you pray for brothers and sisters?
- Further, do you tithe to express care about Christ’s Church?
- Finally, do you remember needs of widows and orphans?
* Portions of this content come from our book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that takes you through Romans and powerfully challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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