Stick With The Basics

When kids turn sixteen, they often take an in-car driving course to prepare them for their driver’s license test. I want you to imagine with me a driving instructor who meticulously teaches the student how to properly adjust the seat and put on the seat belt, how to adjust the mirrors so that the view is as clear as possible. He talks about how to hold the steering wheel and the importance of making smooth turns to the right or left. The use of the CD player is explained in detail. The instructor has an interesting lesson on operating the air conditioner and heater, pointing out all the adjustments of air flow, heat and cool levels and fan speed. He teaches the student all the speed levels on the windshield wiper knob and where to find each light switch. The experience is enjoyable and the instructor is very pleasant and articulate as he communicates all this helpful information. However, the student is never taught how to turn on the ignition so that the power of the engine is available for the process. Many helpful things are taught, but the student is also not taught how to put the car in gear and operate the accelerator. So the instruction given is not wrong; it simply leaves out the main point; and when the main point is left out, the rest matters very little. We leaders must be careful not to make that kind of mistake in ministering the word of God. Without the death and resurrection of Jesus, without entry into that reality by faith, the rest will ultimately make little difference. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes….”i The Church must be diligent to keep the main thing of the gospel, the main thing!