{"id":633,"date":"2007-07-29T16:52:45","date_gmt":"2007-07-29T21:52:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cottrillcompass.com\/blog\/2007\/the-most-important-thing-overview.html"},"modified":"2021-06-05T18:00:59","modified_gmt":"2021-06-05T23:00:59","slug":"the-most-important-thing-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cottrillcompass.com\/blog\/2007\/the-most-important-thing-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"The most important thing – overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today we’re going to take the bird’s eye view of the question we started asking 10 months ago. \u00a0When it comes to serving the Lord, what is the most important thing?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let’s take a look at how it all fits together. \u00a0Our original introduction to the most important thing is here<\/a>. \u00a0We looked at four different aspects of ministry to see which was the most important – results<\/a>, doing<\/a>, being<\/a>, and finally God<\/a>. \u00a0Though each one was important, we discovered that God was really the most important of all.<\/p>\n

We’re going to use this chart to sum up the whole idea:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"The<\/center>\n


You see here all four things in order of importance.<\/b> \u00a0Remember that one flows into the other – God is the one that transforms us into the image of His Son (Rom 8:28-30<\/a>). \u00a0As we’re transformed, that changes how we spend the minutes and hours of our lives – we do<\/i> different things. \u00a0As we live a live of obedience, there are results (by God’s grace), both in our lives and the lives of others. \u00a0Sometimes we can see those results, sometimes we can’t.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can also think of the chart in reverse<\/i>.<\/b> \u00a0If, for example, we’re not seeing any results in our ministry, that may be a red flag that we should check our strategy. \u00a0Are we struggling to know what to do? \u00a0Or do we find ourselves constantly doing what we know is wrong? \u00a0Maybe it’s time to check and see if we’re allowing God to truly transform our hearts. \u00a0Sometimes we get into the trap of only following the motions.<\/p>\n

If we even lack the power to change (as we always do), we need to drop to our knees before the Source. \u00a0He is our only hope – we can’t do it on our own!<\/p>\n

Of course, it’s not always as clear-cut as that. \u00a0For example, we may be doing everything right, and still not see results. \u00a0In the end, we need to leave even that up to God. \u00a0And remember, God really isn’t just at the top – we need to bathe our being, doing, and desire for results all in prayer.<\/p>\n

As God works through His grace, our lives are changed. \u00a0That change results in a wonderful overflow of good works, in which our lives continue to change. \u00a0As the world sees our love, people see the Source more clearly. \u00a0The lives of those around us begin to change. \u00a0To what end? \u00a0Those people glorify God (Luk 18:43<\/a>)! \u00a0And so it always comes back to the top of the chart – full, rich worship of the Almighty Giver of Grace.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

Finally, on the right of the chart you can see the dangers of over or under emphasizing each thing (to the exclusion of the others).<\/b> \u00a0We talked about this in the articles dedicated to each thing. \u00a0Successful? \u00a0You may be tempted just to “leave it to God”. \u00a0You may feel that your “holy” life is enough, and you have no need to “do” anything else.<\/p>\n

Or, you may become convinced it’s all<\/b> about doing<\/i> – if you just do a little more, you’ll have a better life\/be accepted by God\/see more results. \u00a0If you have good results, you may assume God is blessing you, and ignore the sin in your life. \u00a0Or you may be seeing results that look alive, but are really dead to the core. \u00a0You didn’t recognize it because you didn’t bring everything before God.<\/p>\n

Failing? \u00a0You may become angry at God, or figure that nothing you do is good enough for Him. \u00a0Why bother? \u00a0You may be terrified that you’ll never be good enough to be accepted by God (as if it’s all about your works!). \u00a0When you just can’t do enough you may despair. \u00a0If all your hard work isn’t yielding results, you may feel helpless. \u00a0You’ve done it all – and still can’t see any fruit.<\/p>\n

No, I believe these things must be kept in balance – all important<\/i>, but not all equally<\/i> important<\/b>.<\/p>\n

It’s fun to pull passages out of the Bible and see which of the above 4 points in represented. \u00a0Can you see any of the four points above in these verses?<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.<\/i>
Mat 5:16\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me…
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You<\/i>.
Psa 51:10,13<\/p>\n

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower,
and bread for food,
supply and multiply the seed you have sown
and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
while you are enriched in everything for all liberality,
which causes thanksgiving through us to God.<\/i>
2Cor 9:10-11<\/p>\n<\/center>\n


What do you think? \u00a0Do you have something to add? \u00a0Have you heard confusion over these things? \u00a0Anything you disagree with, or agree with? \u00a0Please, leave a comment! \u00a0Let’s talk.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

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