Determining What is Important

Psalm 62:9 (NLT) contains a somewhat sullen thought,

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,
    and the powerful are not what they appear to be.
If you weigh them on the scales,
    together they are lighter than a breath of air.

How much time do we spend trying to gain earthly prosperity and/or human respect? Whether we succeed in those pursuits or not, Psalm 62:9 says that they don't matter. So what does matter?

Chapter 10 of Luke finds Jesus visiting Mary and Martha. While Martha is busy preparing dinner, Mary is not helping. Rather, she sits and listens to Jesus. When Martha complains about this to Jesus, he responds (Luke 10:41-42, NLT),

My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.

That's the answer! The most important thing in life -- indeed the only important thing in life -- is to listen to God and follow his words.