In a world overwhelmed by constant noise—news headlines, social media posts, and divisive debates—it can be easy for Christians to lose focus on what truly matters. Every day, we are bombarded with messages that tell us what we should care about, who we should be, and how we should act. But as followers of Christ, the most important thing we should be thinking about isn’t found in the headlines or the latest viral trend. It’s found in the Word of God.
So, what is the most important thing for us as Christians today? It’s the same thing it’s always been: our hearts’ alignment with Jesus and His call to love God and love others. This is the cornerstone of our faith, and in today’s divided, chaotic world, it’s more vital than ever to keep this front and center.
The Call to Love God above All
When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He didn’t hesitate. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). This isn’t just a nice idea or a suggestion—it’s the foundation of everything we believe and do as Christians.
But let’s be honest: loving God with everything we’ve got isn’t always easy. Our hearts are easily distracted, and the world offers countless idols that compete for our attention—success, money, relationships, comfort, and even good causes. These things aren’t inherently bad, but when they take precedence over God, they become stumbling blocks.
The Bible warns against these distractions. In 1 John 2:15-16, we are told, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Today, we must ask ourselves: Is God truly first in my life? Do I spend more time scrolling through social media than I do in prayer or Scripture? Do I prioritize my career, my image, or my comfort over my relationship with Him?
Psalm 37:4 reminds us, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” The key isn’t to chase after what we want but to align our desires with His by delighting in Him first. When we put God at the center, everything else falls into place.
Loving Others as Ourselves
Right after commanding us to love God, Jesus gave us the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). These two commandments are inseparable. If we truly love God, it will naturally overflow into love for others.
But what does loving others look like today? Does it mean agreeing with everyone? Ignoring sin to keep the peace?
Not at all. Love is not passive—it is active, courageous, and often costly. It means speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), standing up for what’s right, and being the hands and feet of Christ to a hurting world.
In our current culture, division and hostility dominate. Social media algorithms thrive on outrage and controversy, pitting people against each other. Yet, as Christians, we are called to rise above this. Romans 12:18 challenges us: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Loving others means stepping into the brokenness with grace and humility. It means caring for the marginalized (Proverbs 31:8-9), forgiving those who have wronged us (Colossians 3:13), and prioritizing reconciliation over retribution (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
The Eternal Perspective
One of the greatest traps Christians face today is losing sight of eternity. I say it repeatedly. It’s easy to get caught up in the temporary—political battles, cultural shifts, personal ambitions—and forget that our ultimate home is not here.
Colossians 3:2 exhorts us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” When we remember that this world is not our final destination, it changes how we live. We begin to focus less on building our own little kingdoms and more on advancing God’s Kingdom.
This eternal perspective also changes how we view suffering and hardship. In John 16:33, Jesus reminds us, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Instead of being consumed by fear or despair when things go wrong, we can have peace knowing that God’s plans are bigger than our present circumstances.
Furthermore, studies reveal the benefits of this eternal mindset. Research by the Pew Research Center consistently shows that people of faith who focus on spiritual practices—such as prayer and community—report higher levels of joy, peace, and resilience, even in difficult times.
A Call to Action
So, what should we do with all this? How do we live out these truths in a practical way?
1. Prioritize Daily Time with God
If loving God is our greatest command, we must invest in our relationship with Him. Set aside time every day to read His Word, pray, and simply sit in His presence. Let Him shape your thoughts, desires, and actions. Studies show that consistent spiritual disciplines, such as daily prayer and Bible reading, improve mental health and provide a stronger sense of purpose.
2. Look for Ways to Love Others
Loving your neighbor doesn’t always require grand gestures. It can be as simple as listening without judgment, offering encouragement, or helping someone in need. Ask God to show you opportunities to love others, and then step out in faith. Practical acts of kindness not only bless others but also combat feelings of loneliness and disconnection—two major crises in today’s world.
3. Keep an Eternal Perspective
When you feel overwhelmed by the problems of this world, remind yourself of God’s sovereignty and His promises. Instead of being consumed by worry, focus on what you can do to make an eternal impact—sharing the Gospel, serving others, and living out your faith boldly.
The most important thing for a Christian to think about today isn’t a new concept. It’s the same call that has guided believers for centuries: to love God with all our hearts and to love others as ourselves. In a world full of distractions, we must intentionally refocus our hearts and minds on what truly matters.
Let’s not waste time chasing after things that won’t last. Instead, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s love Him passionately, serve others selflessly, and live each day with eternity in mind.
By doing this, we fulfill our calling as followers of Christ, and in a world longing for hope and truth, we become the beacon that points others to Him. This is the most important thing we can do today and every day.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Maria Dorota
Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org
