Sum Matters Most

Have you ever placed too much emphasis on one outcome? For example – having a significant other; getting a promotion; passing a professional exam; gaining acceptance to a particular school; making an athletic team; being selected for a competitive award; receiving recognition from your peer group, etc. The danger is you might thwart your potential; or maybe never realize your greatest outcomes.

As I watched my oldest son jump into the deep end of the pool determined to pass his swim test by swimming the length of the pool, I wanted badly for him to succeed because he had talked about this moment for weeks and weeks. However, I didn't want the result of this one test to define his ability to swim. “Kick, Scoop, Breathe!” I chanted. ”Kick, Scoop, Breathe – You can do it!” Half way there he's still swimming strong; with three quarters complete he's winded and struggling...”Kick, Scoop, Breathe – Come on, You can do it!” He had swam his farthest distance ever to date, only a few more kicks, scoops and breaths and he would have passed the test.

But I stepped in. Why? Clearly, he didn't have enough breath or strength to complete the remaining distance. He needed a little more time, more practice. So, I celebrated his accomplishment believing he would better achieve his goal during another visit to the pool. This decision became a teachable moment. Certainly, he had not failed on this first attempt. Its possible continued urging of more kicks, scoops and breaths would have helped him attain his swim badge (of honor).  Conversely, pushing too hard he may have swallowed some water, or begun going under and loss confidence in his ability to swim.

Sometimes we place too much emphasis on one moment; one opportunity; or one event defining ourselves by that solitary outcome. In doing so we fail to realize that our greatest victories lie before us. Along the way, sometimes we will fail and sometimes we will succeed.

Hence, we must recognize it’s the sum of our efforts that matters most.

Jesus, the greatest and most prolific leader and preacher ever – wasn't well received after preaching his first sermon. In fact, he faced a hostile audience ready to harm him because of his daring pronouncements. Jesus could have just accepted this as a success or failure but well aware of his future opportunities, he makes an interesting decision. Does he kick, scoop or breathe? None of these are his choice.

Jesus understood this wasn't the defining moment of his ministry. He realized preaching more sermons was in his future and concluded that the analysis of the sum of his ministry matters most - more than this one moment; this one opportunity; or this one event. Notice Jesus' choice:

"When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way." 

Luke 4:28-30

Sometimes our best action or choice is recognition, 

the sum of our efforts matters most!

_____________________________________________ 

Sum questions for your thoughts:

1. Do you know when it's best for you to continue to kick, scoop and breathe?

2. Is your solitary focus on one moment; one event; or one opportunity?

3. Do you need to take some time to celebrate your present accomplishments?

4. Do you know the sum of your efforts is more important than one success or one failure?

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".