This is the tenth and final of our foundational principles. Through our services, our groups, our communications—how we treat people—we will be known for something. But the X factor is: for what? In everything we do, the relationships we prioritize and tend to, we will be known for what we are for.

We’ve all experienced times or circumstances where we don’t feel good enough. Feeling like a failure can even be something we battle daily. When viewed through the wrong lens, it’s easy to want to give up. But if we grasp perfection is unrealistic and seek God’s strength in our weakness, we find hope that sustains the journey ahead.

This is the eighth of our ten guiding principles because we know just maintaining is the platform for decline. But when we seek growth, personally and spiritually, we thrive. The approach doesn’t require obtaining a degree or memorizing the right scripture. It’s simple. When we earnestly seek God, the excitement of what He’s doing in us speaks for itself.

More sounds good. Today’s consumer culture endorses it. More space, more money, more stuff — yes, please! But more is immeasurable; when is it enough? Buying lands us in a never-ending pursuit that drains and dissatisfies us. Though packaged as a one-size-fits-all solution more is seldom the answer. Thankfully, there is another way. This alternate route results in fulfillment, peace, and purpose.

Amidst all the pursuits people get caught up in, the real stuff often falls to the wayside. It’s never the intention, but it’s too easy to lose sight of what is most important in the world's hustle. Our kids don’t deserve just a wing and a prayer. They need our intentional efforts now. And, in raising them well, we could learn a few things from them.

Trends are defined by time, space, and culture; they are always in flux and primarily out of our control. We need something strong enough to last beyond the latest fads. Something unchanging. God’s Word is the only wholly reliable thing we can put our faith in. It transcends our circumstances, feelings, and even the fads of tomorrow.

What do big dreams and small steps have in common? They’re both crucially necessary to grow. Vision without action, just like progress without a goal, gets us nowhere. But teamed up, they make an intentional and awe-inspiring path forward. When God-sized dreams are paired with small, faithful steps, we become part of something bigger than we could imagine.

Our third value in this series is about serving. We’re not just talking about checking a box on our to-do list. We’re taking a magnifying glass to this topic and looking at the hurdles (because it’s not always easy) and the profound benefits (because it’s always beneficial) of giving of ourselves. And overall, why it’s so important.

Keeping people below Jesus and above all else takes intention. Otherwise, we drift and start pursuing other, lesser things. It’s easy to miss that what we need isn’t found in stuff. And, counter-intuitive as it may sound, putting others before ourselves is more fulfilling than seeking our desires.

Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Guilty. When our priorities are imbalanced, we feel it. Keeping Jesus at the heart of our lives won’t simply bring us peace, and it’s not just a good idea. It is the way. Let's look at the importance of keeping him center and discuss how to do it.