As a pastor, it is very easy to get distracted by a lot of worthy causes. The need is much greater than resources. People will tell you heart-wrenching stories, and you will want to stop everything and address the issue. While those are important, they aren’t the primary purpose of my job. I am called to preach the Gospel and teach people the ways of the Lord. I need to make sure to keep the main thing the main thing.
Revelation 2:2-3
“‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.”
Fighting the Good Fight
The church in Ephesus was a vibrant, active church, actively fighting against false apostles who would lead the church astray. They were protecting new Christians from wrong doctrine and supporting the smaller churches in the nearby communities. It was the picture of a church that had it together and one that many would model today. There was one problem. They were so busy they forgot the main thing, to love Jesus with their heart, soul, mind, & strength.
Danger of Christian Activity
The danger of Christian activity is that it makes our hearts grow cold. We can be so busy doing good works and ministering to needy people that we forsake what keeps our faith alive. It’s essential to keep the main thing the main thing. You must feed and nurture your relationship with Jesus, of you will find yourself burnout and not wanting anything to do with the work God gives you.
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
There will be seasons where you have to fight the good fight and persevere through the storms that life throws at you. All of that should be strengthened not by the cause but by a living relationship to the one who fills us with love and grace. This is what is needed to face what life throws at you. Keep the main thing the main thing.