Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20
I have a shortened version of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission that I use often – Love God, love neighbor, make disciples. It reminds me daily of what is really important in life. Jesus was much more eloquent in His phrasing, but just repeating this to myself helps me focus on priorities.
One of my former bishops used to tell us “The main thing is keeping the main thing the main thing”. He was encouraging us not to get distracted in our call to follow Christ and share the Good News. All Satan needs to win is our lack of action. If we waver, we may stumble and fall.
Keeping Jesus first in our lives is sometimes hard but He is there for us always. I remember a prayer response from my days in youth choir that sums it up pretty well: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
Loving Lord, help us to maintain our focus and make following You our top priority. Give us the strength to resist evil and go to the world in Your name. Amen.