The One Big Thing: Keeping God at the Center of Your Leadership

You work hard, provide, and check all the boxes—but if you died today, would your checklist be worth anything to God?  What is your One Big Thing?

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God’s Promise:

2 Corinthians 5:9 – “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”

As a husband and father, we need to be constantly aware of our checklist—the daily to-do list that shapes our home.

Little things matter. Saying “I love you,” “please,” and “thank you.” Owning our mistakes with “I’m sorry.” Humbling ourselves with “please forgive me.” These may seem like small words, but they carry the weight of leadership.

If we don’t have them on our checklist, it’s time to add them and activate them daily.

But here’s the bigger question—what’s at the top of your checklist?

For Paul, it was pleasing God. Not just once in a while. Not just when things were going well. Every day. He lived with one great ambition: to hear God say, “Well done.” That’s why he wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:9, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”

Brother, that’s the One Big Thing.

When we keep God at the center, everything else comes into focus. He is our light in a dark and muddy world. A beacon that keeps us from getting lost. We don’t want to displease Him (2 Corinthians 5:11), but without focus, we drift.

I’ve drifted before. I remember a season when I was so caught up in serving God that I lost sight of simply being with Him. I was ready to sell my house, uproot my family, and do anything for the mission. But my focus wasn’t on God—it was on doing things for Him.

We’ve all been there. We get distracted, we get busy, and we forget that God isn’t looking for workhorses—He’s looking for sons.

That’s why we need the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us in Luke 11:13 that our Father gives the Spirit to those who ask. Have you asked? Have you let Him guide you?

We please God by listening to Him—through prayer, through obedience, through His Word. The Bible isn’t just an old book—it’s inspired by the Holy Spirit. It’s like God wrote a book just for you.

So, grab your sword, Man of the Shepherd!

Your “One Big Thing” starts with a simple step—seeking His face. Numbers 6:24-26 reminds us that the Lord makes His face shine upon us. Will you stop today and just be with Him?

Because if you make pleasing God your first ambition, everything else will fall into place.

Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value:

Master Ambition – A shepherd stays focused on his One Big Thing: Pleasing God in every thought, word, and action.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is “pleasing God” at the top of your checklist, or have distractions taken priority?
2. Are you relying on your own strength, or have you asked the Holy Spirit to guide you?
3. What small step can you take today to seek God’s face and listen to His voice?

Bible References:

• 2 Corinthians 5:9 – “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:11 – “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.”
• Luke 11:13 – “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
• Numbers 6:24-26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

A Prayer for the Man of the Shepherd:

Lord, I want to please You above all else. Keep me focused on You as my One Big Thing. Help me to shepherd my family well, to listen to Your Spirit, and to seek Your face daily. Amen.

My Personal Journey:

These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus. If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.

To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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Master Ambition