What does it mean to keep the main thing the main thing in our spiritual lives? Does it mean being a good parent, spouse, friend? Does it mean attending Church every week without skipping a beat? If your main thing is anything other than following Christ's example for us, then you losing sight of what is important.
I have heard pastors and Churches alike proclaim the message keep the main thing the main thing. That example is great to follow if you follow it. Somehow along the way some pastors have changed the sermon to cater to a watered down message. Churches lose sight of what is important and invest in things instead of the salvation of people.
If you follow football, you will get my analogy. Just imagine living your spiritual life like the quarterback on a football team. Your life is the football, and the goal is your spiritual walk with Jesus. The one purpose you have is to move the football closer to the goal. You may get sacked and pushed back a few yards, but you get back up and keep pushing the ball down the line to the goal. You keep your focus on the prize of scoring a touchdown or a field goal. You don't get sidetracked and start thinking about other things. Instead, you hunker down and keep pressing on, knowing that you are making the right decision.
How does the main thing becomes something other than the main thing.
It is easy to get lost in your desires when you are seeking the wrong thing. Seeking God will never lead you astray. Seeking things to get to God will get you in trouble. The gift of salvation cannot be bought. It has already been paid for by the blood of Christ. You cannot multiply the gift of salvation when you are not seeking God. When you try to cater to individuals needs instead of the big picture of salvation, your work will be in vain. Keep your eyes on our Savior at all times. Move your spiritual journey down the road by keeping the main thing the main thing.
Colossians 3:2 NASB Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.