Most people think that in his book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” author Stephen Covey coined the phrase, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Maybe we could say that he said it much more concisely or perhaps the pithiness of his phrase has allowed it to catch on more, but a quick read through the opening chapters of 2 Timothy show us that Paul was saying the same thing to Timothy a long time ago. Paul, seeking to encourage the younger leader, calls him to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,” and to “guard the good deposit entrusted” to him. Paul wants Timothy to refocus his life and his work back to the gospel.
If social media is good for anything (and we probably all agree that it is debatable if it is), it is to be a distraction in our lives. I remember the opening days of Facebook, of Twitter and of Instagram. Even then very little redeemable gospel qualities could be seen in them. But now they serve only to bring out the worst in most people. If you are brave enough, I know it has taken courage for myself to practice this, look back at your last 10 posts and ask yourself, “Is this what I want to make people think my life is all about? Is this really the main thing in my life?”
In a world that craves the stuff that ought to be second, how can we make our lives clearly about the stuff that should be first? How can you be more intentional about putting the gospel front and center in your life? In your family’s lives? What decisions can you make today that will show people tomorrow that Christ is the main thing in your life? My prayer for you is that as you answer those questions, you will “be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” to do those things that need to be done to keep the main thing the gospel.
VC Devotionals 