Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "importance" is often intertwined with themes of value, priority, and significance as determined by God’s standards rather than human measures. The Bible provides numerous insights into what is deemed important in the eyes of God, often contrasting it with worldly perceptions of importance.Divine Priorities The Bible emphasizes that God's priorities often differ from human priorities. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This passage highlights that God values the inner character and heart of a person over external appearances or societal status. The Kingdom of God The importance of seeking God's kingdom is a central theme in Scripture. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse underscores the priority of spiritual pursuits over material concerns, suggesting that aligning oneself with God's will is of utmost importance. Love and Obedience Love is presented as a fundamental aspect of what is important to God. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus summarizes the law with the greatest commandments: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" These commandments highlight the importance of love as the foundation of a righteous life. Obedience to God’s commandments is also emphasized as a measure of importance. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This indicates that true love for God is demonstrated through obedience, which is of paramount importance in the Christian life. Humility and Service The Bible often elevates humility and service as important virtues. In Matthew 23:11-12, Jesus declares, "The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This teaching reverses worldly notions of importance, suggesting that true greatness is found in serving others and practicing humility. Eternal Perspective The Scriptures encourage believers to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing the transient nature of earthly life. In 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This passage calls Christians to focus on eternal truths and values, which hold ultimate importance. Faith and Trust in God Faith is another critical aspect of importance in the Bible. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is portrayed as essential for a relationship with God and is a key component of what is important in the Christian life. Conclusion The biblical concept of importance challenges believers to align their values with those of God, prioritizing spiritual growth, love, obedience, humility, and faith. By focusing on these divine priorities, Christians are called to live lives that reflect the eternal significance of God's kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of being important; consequence; weight; moment; significance.2. (n.) Subject; matter. 3. (n.) Import; meaning; significance. 4. (n.) Importunity; solicitation. Greek 4413. protos -- first, chief ... of pro Definition first, chief NASB Word Usage before (3), best (1), first (128), first of all (2), first importance (1), first man (1), first one (1), first ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4413.htm - 8k 4412. proton -- before, at the beginning 5348. phthano -- to come before (another), anticipate, arrive 1223. dia -- through, on account of, because of 3559. nouthesia -- admonition 2086. heterozugeo -- to be yoked up differently, ie to be ... 313. anagennao -- to beget again 5599. o -- O, oh! Strong's Hebrew 6996. qatan -- small, young, unimportant... Or qaton {kaw-tone'}; from quwt; abbreviated, ie Diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance) -- least, less(-er ... /hebrew/6996.htm - 5k Library The Importance of a Choice Appendix (A). On the Importance of Attending to Patristic ... The Importance of Doing what is Right It is Also of Importance to Observe, that the Four Laws of Prayer ... Importance of Small Things in Religion Importance of the Proclamation of Jesus as the Crucified. Only Chapter Treats of the Great Importance of Perseverance in ... Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ The Matter of Principal Importance Importance of the Bible to the Young. Thesaurus Importance (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Importance (9 Occurrences). ... (WEY). 1 Corinthians 3:7 So that neither the planter nor the waterer is of any importance. ... /i/importance.htm - 9k Acco (2 Occurrences) Cyrene (7 Occurrences) Cornelius (10 Occurrences) Judaeus Matter (263 Occurrences) Predestination Philo Colossae (1 Occurrence) Music (143 Occurrences) Resources What is the importance of Christian fellowship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the importance of the empty tomb? | GotQuestions.org What is the importance and value of group prayer? | GotQuestions.org Importance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Importance (9 Occurrences)Acts 5:36 Acts 20:24 1 Corinthians 3:7 1 Corinthians 15:3 Galatians 2:6 Galatians 5:6 Galatians 6:15 Isaiah 2:9 Isaiah 5:15 Subtopics Related Terms Stumblingstone (2 Occurrences) Stumbling-stone (3 Occurrences) Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) |
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