Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

That statement has been used to help people stay focused on what is most important in many endeavors. That’s because human nature can be quite fickle. We are prone to distraction and “bunny trails”. While these can sometimes be quite interesting and do occasionally prove worthy of the diverted effort, mostly they dilute our effectiveness and extend our labors.

So how does “Keeping the main thing the main thing” impact you and me as Mountain Takers?

First, we must determine what “The Main Thing” is. Is our individual mountain the “Main Thing”? No, while very important, my mountain is not the “Main Thing”.

The “Main Thing” is bigger than my work and sphere of influence; though both of them are affected by it.

The “Main Thing” answers the question, “Why am I here?” In our work centric world there is a tendency to answer that question with a job description. “I’m put here to do…” Men in particular derive much of our sense of identity and well-being from what we do. It’s also helpful to have a ready answer to justify your existence!

Let me offer two statements that describe the “Main Thing”. One statement is from some church fathers and the other is from Jesus Himself.

“Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God and to fully enjoy Him forever.” Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 1

I really like this. These learned men centuries ago decided that in matters of the faith and life this was the number one question. Before anything else – what’s the point of life? Life’s highest end is to enjoy God and glorify Him.

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 Spoken by the Lord Jesus in His high priestly prayer on the night He was betrayed.

Jesus knew what was coming. He saved His most intimate and I believe important impartations for His disciples until this time. He knew that after He was taken from them their identity would be tested. He wanted them, and us, to understand that our identity is in Who we know, not in what we do.

There is much emphasis in our world on accomplishment. There is nothing wrong in accomplishing great things. As a Mountain Taker you have taken on a God-sized assignment. He wants you to do great things. But accomplishment is not purpose. My purpose, my life, my chief and highest end is to know and enjoy the One True God! There are many, many people of great “accomplishment” who never realize their true purpose. You my fellow Mountain Taker, have the best of both. First, you know Him! Second, in Him you can do all things! Even better, He wants to do them through you!

Enjoy keeping the main thing the main thing on your Mountain this week!