Yesterday’s quote took me back to one of the most memorable sermons I’ve ever heard.
In 2001, Becky and I were looking for a church. The first time we visited Timberline, Jeff Lucas shared a message titled “Major in the Majors, Minor in the Minors.” As we left after that service, I thought, “This is the place.”
How many sermons do you remember 24 years later? How many do you reference frequently in everyday conversation? My guess would be not many.
I can’t count how many times I’ve talked to people about Majors & Minors.
That morning, Jeff talked about the importance of prioritizing Jesus’ central teachings – love your neighbor, care for the poor, seek justice for the marginalized. He called those the “Majors,” and said we ought to get those things right first. Then we could fuss about the other things that occupy so much of our thoughts.
In C. S. Lewis’ words, if we put those things – the majors – first, we might find the other things thrown in as well. But when we focus on the minors, we lose it all.
None of us do this perfectly. We all tend to get distracted by our own pet issues, political causes, theological disputes. We choose these “minors” as hills to die on, while ignoring Jesus’ clear teaching.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
It’s one of the reasons I focus so intently on the kids at the Home of Hope. Centering my attention on seeking justice for marginalized children helps me avoid the silly minor issues that are only a distraction.
Let’s remind each other to Major in the Majors.