Is That Really the Best Option?

[Is That Really the Best Option?]( Current Teaching Series [Strategies for Stressful Times]( [Listen to Today's Broadcast]( [Is That Really the Best Option?]( By Rick Warren — 12/12/2023 [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Pinterest]( [Email](mailto:?subject=I'd%20like%20to%20share%20a%20Daily%20Devotional%20from%20Pastor%20Rick%20with%20you&body= “Anyone who lets him be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (TLB) The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to be selective. There will always be a lot of options and opportunities. But the key to effectiveness is being selective. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “Someone may say, ‘I’m allowed to do anything,’ but not everything is helpful. I’m allowed to do anything, but not everything encourages growth” (GW). In other words, some things aren’t necessarily wrong—they’re just not necessary. Once you figure this out, you’re going to be able to better withstand the hard times in life. You’re going to be resilient! When you know where you’re headed and you focus in that direction, then you’re less likely to be distracted by less important things. You’ll set priorities that have an eternal focus. You’ll realize what matters most in life, and you’ll choose not just good things but the most important things. Jesus was a master of concentration. He lived a selective life, and it allowed him to give his life for God’s kingdom and do what pleased his Father. Luke 9:51 says, “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, [Jesus] moved steadily onward toward Jerusalem with an iron will” (TLB). He modeled an iron will and fulfilled his purpose—even though even though he knew it would lead to his death. His focus helped him endure the pain and stress and persecution. Paul was the same way. He said, “This one thing I do,” not “these 40 things I dabble in.” He did one thing with his life—the most important thing. You have incredible potential to be used by God, but the barrier is often that you haven’t settled what’s most important. If you think you don’t have time to serve God, then you’re not focused. If you spend more time on social media than you do getting to know God, then you’re not focused. If you have to do something else before you follow Jesus, then you are not focused. The Bible is clear: “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 TLB). One day you’re going to stand before God. How will you answer him when he asks what you did with what you were given? [PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>]( Talk It Over - Do you live your life with focus? What examples from your life support your answer? - What are the distractions (even good things) that keep you from focusing on the most important things? - How does God reveal what is most important for us to pursue and focus on? 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You’ll discover how to have a more vibrant prayer life, connect with the Lord, and establish a consistent daily prayer time. [LEARN MORE]( [Complete Audio Series (Purchase)]( Includes 5 full-length message from Pastor Rick's series Strategies for Stressful Times. [LEARN MORE]( [Series Summary]( Message 1: Finding the Strength to Keep Going When I'm Emotionally Worn Out Message 2: How To Be Happy No Matter What Happens Message 3: How to Trust God When You Don't Like the Changes in Your Life Message 4: How to Keep Your Tank Filled Instead of Running on Empty Message 5: Jesus' Secrets of Resilience [PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST]( Pastor Rick Warren [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Linkedin]( Enjoy today's devotional? Listen to Pastor Rick’s daily audio teaching at [PastorRick.com]( Did someone forward this devotional to you? [Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional.]( Rick Warren is the founding pastor of [Saddleback Church]( one of America’s largest and most influential churches. 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