In the shadow of the cross
15The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him Col: 1:15-17
I think most humans are born a little attention deprived. We either never come to an understanding of what’s really important or we lose focus on the important things in life. We do get lost in the minutiae thinking it’s the point. In gaining wealth, fame, land comfort, a satisfying job or any other earthly satisfaction we run the risk of missing the real point while trying to maintain the dimensions of our life.
Even as ministers we so often miss the point. We say things like, “The goal is souls.” Or “It’s all about winning souls.” Now I think souls are important. Evangelism and discipleship are way up there on my to do list. But I am learning that I can get everything on my to do list done and still miss the point. Souls are not the point. Ministry is not the point. The church is not the point (that does not diminish their importance). Jesus is the point and a personal relationship with Him is the goal. If at the end of my days in this vale of tears I have failed to accomplish that, then I will have truly missed the point.
21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Ma. 7:21-23
Let’s keep the main thing the main thing.
Lillie-Put 
Good word, Pastor J! I know for myself I always thought it was about “winning souls for Jesus” and in the past year I have discovered it’s about my relationship with Him. If my relationship is where He wants it to be then the by product will be “winning souls for Jesus” I believe.
Exactly. If we put our emphasis on our relationship then everything else falls into place. If we love Him we will love others and reach out to them.
Amen. It is not an easy thing….here on this earth to maintain focus on the main thing. So many shiny distractions. So many detractors. But Indeed relationship with Christ is the main thing….with out that we have nothing. How can we indeed point souls TO Him if we do not maintain a relationship WITH Him?
Amen!