Difficult vs Valuable

As Christians, we often face the challenge of discerning between doing difficult things and doing things that are truly worthwhile and valuable. It can be easy to mistake the difficulty of a task for its inherent value, but the distinction is crucial for our spiritual growth and fulfilment. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between these two concepts and how we can align our pursuits with the biblical principles found in Matthew 6:19-21.

 

The Illusion of Value in Difficulty

Have you ever looked at someone else's possessions, achievements, or status and perceived them as symbols of value and worth? It's a common human experience to equate the outward appearance of success with intrinsic value. The car they drive, the clothes they wear, or the material possessions they have amassed might seem unattainable and therefore immensely valuable.

But as we strive towards these external markers of success, we often come to realize that what we've attained is not inherently valuable, but simply difficult to obtain. There's a stark contrast between the facade of value and the reality of mere difficulty. As Christians, we are called to see beyond the illusion and seek true value that fulfils us intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

 

Valuable vs. Difficult: A Distinctive Dichotomy

The essential difference between valuable pursuits and difficult achievements lies in their impact on our holistic well-being. What's truly valuable enriches our lives at a deeper level, nurturing our souls and fostering love and spiritual growth. These valuable things bring us deeper contentment and joy. On the other hand, seemingly difficult tasks or acquisitions like material things, fame and fortune, may not necessarily enrich our inner being or bring us closer to God although it might offer moments of fleeting happiness.

We must recognize that many worthwhile endeavours are indeed difficult to attain. However, the converse is not always true – just because something is difficult does not automatically render it worthwhile. Understanding this crucial distinction is fundamental to living a purpose-driven life guided by our faith.

 

Stepping Outside Comfort: The Value Proposition

In our journey as Christians, we often encounter the wisdom of stepping outside our comfort zones. It's a universal truth that growth and meaningful experiences lie on the other side of discomfort.  There’s true value in embracing these challenges and developing something worthwhile.

Some of these valuable things in life include building a deeper faith and strengthening your relationship with God, investing in and growing your marriage and developing a strong relationship with your kids, your family and quality friends.

The notion that worthwhile things are inherently difficult to attain stems from a profound reality – if they weren't challenging, they wouldn't possess the depth of value that makes them truly worthwhile. True value demands effort, dedication, and sometimes even sacrifice. It's the fortitude to pursue these worthwhile endeavours that shape our character and enrich our lives, aligning us with God's purpose for us.

 

The Biblical Framework: Matthew 6:19-21 (AMP)

As we navigate the complexities of discerning between mere difficulty and true value, the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 guide us towards a profound understanding of where our treasures should lie. In these verses, Jesus says: 19“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; 21for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.”

In the context of our pursuit of value and worth, these verses speak directly to our fundamental motivations. They remind us that worldly possessions and achievements, while difficult to obtain, are fleeting and transient. Instead, our focus should be on cultivating treasures of love, faith, and spiritual growth that endure eternally. By aligning our hearts with heavenly treasures, we transcend the allure of difficult yet inconsequential pursuits and embrace the truly valuable aspects of life.

 

Conclusion: Pursuing True Value in Christ

In conclusion, we are called to discern between doing difficult things and doing things that are truly worthwhile and valuable. The distinction lies in the impact these pursuits have on our spiritual, emotional, and intellectual well-being. While difficulty may be an inherent aspect of many valuable endeavours, it does not define their worth.

As Christians, our ultimate aim should be to store up treasures in heaven, investing in the timeless and immeasurable wealth of God's love, grace, and purpose. The pursuit of these treasures may indeed be arduous, but their value transcends the temporal challenges we face. Let us heed the wisdom in Matthew 6:19-21 and focus our hearts on treasures that reflect the depth and enduring significance of our faith.

May we find fulfilment in seeking what is truly valuable, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.