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Five Benefits of Being Theocentric
Five Benefits of Being Theocentric
Tyler King
Theocentric: having God as the central interest and ultimate concern (Merriam-Webster). The practice of being theocentric is one that is a constant struggle. However, when accomplished, it can produce some incredible results. Here are five benefits:
You Stop Worrying About What Others Think of You (Matthew 6:1-4) - Jesus repeats the phrase, "to be seen by man" in Matthew 6. This type of living is artificial as well as immodest. When we start living in order to please God rather than man, we typically end up pleasing both. If we only focus on pleasing man, we usually fail altogether.
Prayer Becomes More Relevant (Matthew 6:5-8) - A theocentric life keeps God close by. Prayer is no longer just a ambiguous practice, but is a personal communication between you and the Father. He consistently becomes the go-to contact for your thoughts and worries.
His Will Becomes Your Priority (Matthew 6:10,33) - Man has been in a constant battle against God to determine what the best plan is. When we focus on His Will rather than our own, our success becomes astronomical. Later in the gospel we witness Jesus forfeiting His fleshly fear in order to accomplish the Father's will. It is obvious that God knew what He was doing all along. Likewise, it is good when we trust in God's plan and not our own.
Home Gets Better (Matthew 6:19-24) - I can remember growing up at my parents' house in Castle Rock. It was a nice home but it seemed like stuff kept breaking (sometimes I was the encourager of this). The home that we look forward to is one that is incorruptible. Not only is it good to look forward to our new home, but it also helps us in this life as well. Notice the point that Christ makes in 6:22-24 and the influence it has on us.
You Stop Worrying About What You Think of Yourself (Matthew 6:25-34) - One of my favorite phrases in this section is "Are you not of more value than they?" We are without a doubt our own worst critic. We see every fault and flaw. However, by beating ourselves up, we are essentially downplaying the marvelous creation of life that God made in us. Fortunately, we don't have to worry about how insignificant we are because the Father sees us in a different light. His care and providence are great evidences for His love toward us.
"The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:17,18
