Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

March 20, 2023

Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NLT

Author Steven Covey famously said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” We know how true that is in all of life. All of us, if we are not careful, run the risk of mission drift. Parents can get so caught up in running their children to experiences and events that they truly spend little time getting to know their kids. Students can get so caught up in sports, clubs, and other extra-curricular activities that they lose sight of their actual curriculum. Young couples can spend so much time, energy, and money preparing for a grand wedding that they put no thought into or preparation for the marriage. Happily married couples who have chosen well can become so entangled in making money, raising children, and caring for personal interests that the once highly treasured marriage gets derailed. If we are not careful, we lose track of the main thing.

Followers of Jesus can do the very same thing. We may pursue many very good things. We may build good families, have good jobs and wonderful work ethics. We may be friendly and good and even invite others to church. We may be justice fighters. We may believe life-changing truth. We may help our communities become better places and help rehabilitate lives. We may be known as some of the best people in our circles.

But when the rubber meets the road, a Jesus follower is first and foremost a person to whom Jesus is EVERYTHING. Jesus showed what it was for life to be centered and focused on God. He was on a mission. He didn’t take polls or determine His life on public opinion or personal desires. He knew how to live His life and invest His time and energy. Jesus was clearly centered.

Then He taught that through His messages as well. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 is the message He presented over and over. His followers who changed the world got it. They knew “He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” They kept the main thing the main thing.

• Often good things can become great challengers to the main thing. Jesus is NOT on the list. He is FIRST in everything; Jesus is THE LIST. Ask Jesus to make it clear to you any place He is not first and make your new start in seeking Him first.