Mark 9: It All Matters

It all matters.

This is not just a line from the TV show Lost; it is a profound spiritual truth.

Of the fifty verses I wrote down that make up the words of Mark 9, verse 41 stood out the most:

“I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”

From the person who performs miracles to the one who gives a single cup of water, Jesus said it all matters.

You may not think what you do matters much, but it does.

Now.

And for eternity.

That’s part of why the New Testament tells us to watch ourselves, to be alert, and to be holy. We don’t have time to waste on selfish pursuits; we are called to make every moment count and to make the most of every opportunity.

So go all out today. And tomorrow. And the next day. Why? Because it all matters.

Ferris, author of the 4-Hour Work Week (a highly inaccurate title in my experience) calls this the principle of bus. He says if something is important or needs done, do it NOW. Why? Because he could walk out the door and get hit by a bus while crossing the street and life is over. His mantra is to “do it now” because there may be no tomorrow.

You may not like the graphic analogy, so pick your own version of “because of the bus.” The important thing to remember is that it all matters. Don’t just exist; live life to its fullest.

Even it’s just one cup of water given in the name of Jesus.

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Dillon Burroughs has written, co-written, or edited over 60 books, including the upcoming devotional work Thirst No More (October 2011). He served as an associate editor for The Apologetics Study Bible for Students and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. Find out more at DillonBurroughs.org.