Are You Better for It?

Published on 27 February 2025 at 12:05

I’m a thinker—too often, an overthinker. My mind tends to run in circles, dissecting situations from every possible angle. And this week, I found myself thinking about a conversation I wanted to have with a friend who has been struggling in just about every area of life. They've been contemplating reentering a relationship that once brought them pain, and as I considered what to say, one question stood out to me: Are you better for it?

At first, I thought about how this question applied to my friend’s situation, but then it hit me—this is a question I should be asking myself, too. In every decision I make, in every relationship I invest in, and in every opportunity I pursue, I should be asking:

  • Am I better off for making this choice?

  • Is this relationship bringing me closer to peace or pulling me into chaos?

  • Does this friendship add to my joy or drain it?

  • Will this big purchase, this career shift, or this new venture help me grow into who God is calling me to be?

I’m not saying that every decision in life has to bring instant success. We all know that real growth takes time. Some of the best things in life require patience, perseverance, and faith. But when I ask, Am I better for it?, I’m not just talking about whether something makes me better off financially, physically, or socially—though those things have their place. I mean, is my soul better off?

The Bible reminds us that everything we do should contribute to our growth in Christ. "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36, NIV). If I chase after things that bring worldly success but leave me empty, anxious, or farther from God, then what have I really gained?

On the other hand, there are decisions that may not look like instant wins but still bring deep, lasting peace. Maybe a relationship isn’t perfect, but does it challenge me to be more patient, loving, and Christlike? Maybe a job isn’t ideal right now, but does it push me to grow in discipline and faith? Maybe a season feels slow, but am I learning how to trust God more deeply?

One of the clearest ways to answer Are you better for it? is by checking your peace. Philippians 4:7 tells us that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. If something is constantly stealing my peace, if I’m losing sleep, feeling drained, or struggling to find joy, then maybe it’s time to reevaluate.

This doesn’t mean that every hard thing in life is bad for us. Growth is often uncomfortable. But there’s a difference between discomfort that leads to transformation and distress that pulls us away from God’s purpose. Does this thing stretch my faith, or does it suffocate it? Does it refine me, or does it leave me depleted?

So, what about you? Is there something in your life that you need to evaluate with this question? Maybe it’s a relationship you keep returning to. Maybe it’s a job, a habit, a mindset, or even a dream you’ve been chasing. Ask yourself honestly:

Am I better for it?

If the answer is yes, keep pressing forward. Keep growing. Keep becoming. But if the answer is no, if you find yourself stuck in the same cycles of frustration, doubt, and discouragement, maybe it’s time to surrender that thing to God. Maybe it’s time to ask Him what He truly has for you.

When we align our lives with His will, we won’t just be better for it. We’ll be transformed.

« 

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.