I remember a wise man from our church when we were faced with a decision helping us keep focus by saying “keep the main thing the main thing.” It was something that pointed to the importance of knowing your purpose and keeping your focus on that. As we prepare for today, let’s keep first things first so we have our priorities straight by focusing on keeping the main thing the main thing.
As dads, I have shared before how by keeping our priorities straight, we are able to keep first things first and stay under the blessing hand of God. So, keep God first, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and letting Him take care of the rest. Second is our wife, and only to God as that is another foundational key to success in our homes. Third is our kids who need us to be present, it’s not a negotiation between quality and quantity time, they need both and our unconditional love.
The Biblical Call to Focused Living: Proverbs Wisdom
In the pursuit of keeping the main thing the main thing, the Bible provides valuable guidance and timeless wisdom. Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV) encourages believers to
"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."
This passage underscores the importance of maintaining a focused and unwavering commitment to the main thing, aligning with the advice you received from the wise man in your church.
Seeking First the Kingdom: Focus with A Biblical Priority
Furthermore, the biblical principle of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as highlighted in Matthew 6:33 (NIV), resonates with the concept of keeping first things first.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
By prioritizing God at the forefront of our lives, we ensure that our decisions and actions align with His will, leading to blessings and fulfillment.
Focus on Building a God-Honoring Family Foundation: Ephesians Wisdom
In the context of family, Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) emphasizes the significance of placing one’s spouse second only to God, stating,
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
This profound love and sacrificial commitment contribute to the foundation of a successful and God-honoring family life.
Steadfast Priorities for Dads in God’s Light
In conclusion, the biblical principles of focused living, prioritizing God, and maintaining a strong foundation in family relationships align perfectly with the advice to keep the main thing the main thing. By adhering to these teachings, we ensure that our lives reflect a God-centered perspective, leading to blessings, harmony, and success in our endeavors. As dads, let us be steadfast in keeping God first, our wives second, and our children third, as we navigate the journey of life with purpose and divine guidance.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
Verse: Romans 8:31 (NIV)
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Firstly, let’s be the dads who respond in alignment with our faith! Secondly, let’s be the dads who know where our hope and help come from and so keep our focus on Him! Therefore, let’s be the dads who realize and walk in the truth that “if God is for us, who can be against us.”
Today’s Devotional speaks to our competitive nature and how it can make people act. No matter which end you are on or which side you are on, you’ve seen the way people act and speak when it comes to competition in sports, business, and more. So, as we step into today, let’s keep our focus on God and how He would want us to be living to glorify Him!
Focus on how God is our GREATEST fan!
Today’s Devotional points us to what Paul is asking us to consider. He is asking us to realize that God is our greatest fan! We see this in today’s verse when it says “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Not sure if you’ve ever seen someone ask a question and even before the person can answer, they say “it’s doesn’t matter …” but consider the aspects of your day today and how “If God is for us, who can be against us?” that “it doesn’t matter who or what is against us”!
Focus on the reality Jesus gives us
Today’s Devotional reminds us how “no one can take away our salvation. No one can shut off God’s love for us or foil God’s plan for us.” Nobody is greater than God and hence nobody is able to thwart what God is doing and has planned! Even when we face resistance or rejection, trials, troubles, tribulations, and temptations, we need to remember even those aren’t greater than God! So today, let’s walk in confidence, hope, and trust in God because God is greater and He is on our side!
What matters most?
Today’s Devotional closes with the reality that we need to remember “nothing can be against us” and as such “nothing else matters”.
“Is it not wonderful news to believer that salvation lies outside of ourselves?”
MARTIN LUTHER
