A person was driving fast, and he wanted to take a selfie as he drove. In his attempt to take a selfie, he crashed against a tree and died miserably. His life was more valuable than a selfie. Psalmist prays: “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” (Psalms 119:37) Sadly, many people think certain things are worthy, but they are worthless. A believer needs discernment to separate worthy things from worthless things and causes.
Not good: Worthless things are those that do not bring good for spiritual life or progress in worldly life. If a person is obsessed with spending several hours watching entertainment and sports on the screens of their phone, they can never progress in physical, mental, emotional, and economic life. The person seems to be busy, but is lazy and a passive consumer of worthless things.
Not eternal: Certainly, worthless things are temporal, perishable, and not eternal. The beauty, riches, wealth, popularity, and power will fade and disappear. Only the right relationship with God, meditation on His Word, and doing His will endure forever. (I John 2:17)
Not beneficial: Paul writes that all things are lawful, but not beneficial. (I Corinthians 6:12; 10:23) For those who wish to mature in Christian life, should discern what is not beneficial or building up their faith. Being battered by those unwanted things, they could become fatigued spiritually and could fail miserably.
No edification: Worthless things are those that do not edify a believer. If a thing or an activity or a relationship is a worthless thing; if it does not help to grow in His love, or increase the faith, or increase the trust in the eternal Hope in the Lord.
Distraction: Things that distract from the righteous path, holy life, and kingdom priorities are worthless.
Worthy: God is worthy to receive all honor and worship. (Psalm 145:3; Revelation 4:11) The Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of love, and a disciple should be willing to lay down their life for Him.
Do I look unto the Lord Jesus alone?