“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.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 (GW)

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 that out, you’ll be better equipped to withstand the hard times in life. And withstanding hard times will make you resilient!

When you focus on the direction God is calling you to go, you’re less likely to get distracted by things that aren’t as important. You set priorities that have an eternal focus. You realize what matters most in life, and you choose not just good things but the best things.

Jesus was a master of concentration, meaning he lived a selective life. This allowed him to live for God’s kingdom and do what pleased his Father. 

The Living Bible paraphrase says, “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, [Jesus] moved steadily onward toward Jerusalem with an iron will” (Luke 9:51).

He modeled an iron will and fulfilled his purpose—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” (Philippians 3:13 KJV), 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 Living Bible paraphrase makes it 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).

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?