Keep the Main Thing in Sight

Pack to the itinerary, not the impulse, so the day can move freely with Jesus.

Devotional Credit: In Christ, E. Stanley Jones, on Colossians 4:17

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Archippus received a clear word, see that you fulfill the ministry you received in the Lord. E. Stanley Jones contrasts him with Tychicus. Tychicus lived from a strong center, yet Archippus seems to have drifted into the edges. He likely said yes to many small things and had little strength left for the one thing that mattered.

That picture lands close to home. Good work can crowd out the best work. We fold laundry when a hard conversation is needed. We polish minor tasks while our central assignment waits. It is easier, but it drains the soul.

Jones is not scolding. He is shepherding us back to the center where Jesus stands. Being in the Lord is not only belonging to Him, it is walking in His plan for us. That plan may look like full time ministry or faithful work as a teacher, parent, engineer, or nurse. Either way, the Lord gives a trust, then invites a focused yes.

Life gets simple at that center. Not smaller, just simpler. One clear calling, many loving expressions. Fewer dabblings, more fruit. We do not despise small tasks, we just refuse to let them steal the heart of our assignment.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I am the Holy Spirit, and I remind you that you are My workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that I prepared beforehand, that you should walk in them. I teach you to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. I set your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, so you run with endurance the race set before you. I show you that you are a member in a body, given gifts for the common good. I call you to do whatever you do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father. I steady your heart to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. I give wisdom to number your days, to make straight paths for your feet, to keep your gaze directly before you. I strengthen you to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor in the Lord is not empty.

Real-Life Analogy

Think about packing only a carry on for a trip. If you try to bring every nice to have item, the zipper will protest and the airline will charge you. But when you pack to the itinerary, the bag closes with ease and you move freely through the day.

Face the day like that. When messages and minor favors start piling up, whisper, Lord, I trust You to focus my yes and my no in line with Your assignment, so I will finish the email that advances the work You gave me, then kindly defer the rest. The Spirit of Jesus will lighten the load and keep you moving with purpose.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that in Jesus I already have a calling, a lane, and the Spirit who orders my steps. I agree with Your wisdom that my life is not scattered. I receive Your clarity, Your courage, and Your peace. I thank You that my yes is strong, my no is kind, and my work today fulfills what You entrusted to me. I rest in Your fullness as I walk it out. Amen.

Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section

Ephesians 2:10. Matthew 6:33. Hebrews 12:1-2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. Colossians 3:17. Philippians 3:13-14. Psalm 90:12. Proverbs 4:25-27. 1 Corinthians 15:58. Colossians 4:17. Romans 12:4-8. Ephesians 4:11-16. Galatians 6:9-10. John 15:1-8.