Churches once had a slogan: keep the main thing the main thing. That means—Focus on Jesus. DO NOT be distracted by the little side issues that scream for your attention every day.
As one pastor puts it: “We don’t want to be Christians that jerk our heads around and yell, ‘Squirrel!’”[1]
What side issues are distracting Christians today:
- Politics, particularly the notion that the “OTHER” party is nothing but devil-worshipping monsters. (They’re not, you know.)
- Vaccines, masks, and COVID-19 topics.
- The Flat Earth, the “fake” moon landing, the theory that the US government planned the 9/11 attack, and dozens of other conspiracy theories that are gaining new followers every day.
- Yoga, “self-care,” “mindfulness,” incense, tattoos, and other topics long considered the secular equivalent of satan worship, but largely accepted today. It is wrong to assume everyone who participates is evil. It is also wrong to assume everyone who participates is not. The truth is complex, and the roots of some practices merit research. But KEEP THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING. Don’t get distracted.
I love to sink my teeth into a good controversy—you know that. But lately everywhere I look in scripture I am told not to!
“Instruct people not to … pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote speculations rather than God’s plan…. Some have deviated … and turned aside to FRUITLESS DISCUSSION.” 1 Timothy 1:3-4,6.
“In the last times, men will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared…. But have NOTHING TO DO WITH IRREVERENT AND SILLY MYTHS” 1 Timothy 4:1-2,7.
So what do we do?
“But you, man of God, RUN FROM THESE THINGS, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith” 1 Timothy 6:11-12.
KEEP THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING: JESUS.
ΑΩ
[1] Shawn Thornton, Calvary Community Church, Westlake Village, California.
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