Day 3: The Main Thing

Leaders who are most effective have discovered this key to every leader’s “SEEcret”: The main thing is that the main thing remain the main thing.

“How is your quest for right questions going?” asked Michael, Timothy’s friend and mentor. A week earlier, Michael had listened to Timothy’s story and then challenged him to pursue this quest.

“Honestly, it drowned in more questions,” replied the young pastor.

They talked for several minutes. Then Michael ended their phone call. “Perhaps this will give you a foothold. It’s another part of a leader’s SEEcret: The main thing is that the main thing remain the main thing. Gotta go now. Keep on keeping on.”

Later that afternoon, Timothy walked over to a quiet neighborhood park. He prayed, “God, will you please show me in Your Word what that main thing is?

One after another, scriptures came to his mind, beginning with Jesus’ quotation from Deuteronomy 6:5:

. . . ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–38 NIV).

Suddenly it became clear: The Greek word for “love” – agape – nailed the main thing! Timothy closed his eyes and began to envision the implications. How does my flock measure up against that standard? Do I have the conviction – and the courage – to lead them effectively toward this outcome?

Discerning Your “Main Thing”

Whether you pastor a church, lead a ministry, disciple others, or walk alone, love is the main thing that must remain the main thing for a Christ-follower. God expects this outcome.

1. How are you fulfilling that main thing in your: (a) home, (b) job, (c) ministry, and (d) discipling?
2. What seems – or threatens – to overshadow that main thing in those arenas of your life?

Read about “the main thing” in Ephesians 3:17–19 and Revelation 2:2–5. Ponder Ephesians 5:2.

Prayer: God of loving-kindness, I do want to know the depths of your love and stand firmly in it.