At the end of the day what matters more:

If my house is as neat as I want it, or that my guests are comfortable? 

If I have my makeup on, or if I’ve spent morning time with Jesus?

If I have the most up to date clothes, or if I’ve donated to help the poor?

If I have a new phone, or if I’ve helped support missionaries who are spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ?

If I have________, or if I’ve _______ (you can fill in the blanks).

If I’ve accomplished my to do list, or accomplished what God wanted me to do?  

If I have a person’s approval, or God’s approval?

Romans 14:12 states: “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” This verse significantly impacts the way I live my life. It aids me when I am faced with a decision because it reminds me to whom I am accountable at the end of my life. 

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 also provides us with guidance in our daily decision-making: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

I can pause before making a decision and ask myself “Do you want to stand in the presence of God and explain why you chose ______?”

Matthew 12:36-37 also helps us make Godly decisions: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

Not only are we responsible for our actions, but God will have us give an account for the words we speak. This gives us a reason to be slow to speak, especially when we are angered or emotionally charged.

What does God expect from those who love Him?

Micah 6:8 provides guidance on what God expects: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Ephesians 2:8-10 also instructs us on this matter: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

John 15:12 provides more guidance for walking with God: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

You may consider all this and think, “How can I do this?” 

We cannot do this in our own power. But God provides the power and strength through His Holy Spirit. Every person who has a true relationship with God through Jesus Christ is permanently sealed with God’s Holy Spirit. 

John 14:15-17 states: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

He is the one who nudges us to pause and listen for God’s still small voice before we speak or act. 

For you, at the end of the day, what matters most? If it is not the desire to please God before anything worldly, please ask Him to help you get your priorities in compliance with His Word.

Do you have a true living and active relationship with Jesus? 

What proof does your life display that you love and serve Jesus? 

How often each day do you tell God you are grateful for His forgiveness through Jesus?

I would like to hear your thoughts on what matters most to you.  Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.