Keeping the Main Thing

Victor Frankl was a Jewish man who was put into a concentration camp during World War II. In his famous book, Man’s Search for Meaning, he said that the difference between him and some others who did not survive is that he found a reason to live. From the experience came a famous quote: “A man with a ‘why’ can live with any ‘how.’” If you have a reason to live, you can endure any life circumstances.

Of course, as believers, we have the most ultimate reason to live of all. We serve a risen Savior, who’s in the world today! We serve the living God, from whom and through whom and to whom are all things! (Rom. 11:36). And, as we have seen, we have the Great Commission of the Church as a fundamental charge to keep.

Clarity in Purpose: Your North Star

Imagine setting out on a journey without a clear destination in mind. No matter how much effort or resource you pour into the journey, the fact that you don’t know where you’re going means you'll likely end up wandering aimlessly. Clarity in purpose acts as like a North Star for individuals and organizations. With a clear goal, all energies, resources, and efforts can be channeled towards achieving that singular objective. It becomes the ruler against which all actions are measured, so that everything you do aligns with your overarching mission.

A focused mission, grounded in a clear purpose, not only provides direction but also inspires motivation. When individuals understand the “why” behind their actions, they are more likely to commit wholeheartedly, driving the mission forward with passion and vigor.

Dangers and Indicators of Losing Focus

However, when your main objective is unclear or when it becomes lost amid a sea of secondary pursuits, several dangers arise:

• Misallocation of Resources: Without a clear purpose, resources (time, money, and manpower) might be squandered on initiatives that don't align with the primary goal.
• Demotivation: When your purpose is unclear, team members might question the value of their contributions. This uncertainty can sap enthusiasm and reduce productivity.
• Misalignment: Different team members might interpret your purpose or focus differently, leading to disjointed efforts.
• Lost Opportunities: Without focus, you might miss opportunities that align with your core mission because you are too caught up in secondary pursuits.

Realizing when you are getting sidetracked is critical to maintaining focus. Here are some indicators:

• Increased Complexity: If processes become overly complicated without clear justification, it might be a sign that focus is being diluted.
• Declining Engagement: If team members seem less engaged or passionate, they might be unclear on the primary purpose or feel that current efforts don't align with it.
• Lack of Progress: A stagnation or decline in getting done the things that need to get done can signal a drift from the main objective.

Benefits of a Unified Vision

A unified vision offers myriad benefits. When everyone shares a single vision, efforts naturally align, creating synergies and enhancing productivity. A clear, shared purpose can inspire and galvanize a team, fueling passion and commitment. With a clear objective, decisions can be made more swiftly and confidently, as they are gauged against the central mission.

Shared purpose is like a glue that binds you together, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. When everyone is working towards the same goal, differences in approach or perspective can be more easily reconciled, as everyone understands that they are part of something bigger. This collective commitment can also magnify the effectiveness of your church, as the combined energy and focus of your members are channeled in one direction.

“Keeping the main thing the main thing” is not just a catchy phrase. It is a fundamental principle that underscores the importance of clarity, focus, and shared purpose. In the vast, complex landscape of modern life and business, it serves as a timely reminder that, sometimes, simplicity and unwavering focus on the primary objective can be the most potent formula for success.