The Main Thing

Dear GFC Community,

Stephen Covey is attributed with saying, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Great advice. And worth adopting in almost every area of life (business, relationships, finance, etc.). The Apostle Paul voices this wisdom when he says to Timothy, “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith…” (1 Tim. 1:5).

Paul was giving Timothy, a young and budding leader, some things to do in his young and budding church, but he wanted him to know the why behind the what… love! It’s almost as if Paul pulls Timothy in close and says, “Don’t miss it, this is all about love.” I was reminded of the centrality of love in yesterday’s service (if you missed it, watch here) when I read from part of a 2nd century letter about Christians in the Roman Empire…

They love one another… And he, who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. And when they see a stranger, they take him in to their homes and rejoice over him as a very brother… And if there is among them any that is poor and needy, and if they have no spare food, they fast two or three days in order to supply to the needy their lack of food.
                                                                                                                                    – Letter from Aristides of Athens to Emperor Hadrian

In a time even more dangerous and uncertain than our own, people like Aristides of Athens were drawn to the distinct and dynamic love that marked followers of Jesus. I find myself wondering… if Aristides watched my life, would he say that I keep the main thing (love) the main thing, or not? Worth pondering…

Praise God that we’re all still works in progress (Phil. 1:6) and that His Spirit is present to help us in our weakness!

Matt

P.S. Cannot wait to gather again on Sundays onsite (as well as online). We continue to monitor local hospital capacity levels and are hopeful that we will be able to announce plans to return to onsite services soon! Thanks for continuing to engage online on Sundays as we seek to love our community through this unique time.

Matt Murphy
Lead Pastor