Anchor Verses

Matthew 6:19–23, Matthew 7:21–23, Matthew 7:24–27

Focus Statement

A life that is not centered on God cannot be sustained by effort alone—only when God is truly at the center can our obedience, disciplines, and decisions produce lasting fruit.

Introduction — Effort Isn’t the Issue

  • We often assume more discipline, more passion, or better habits will fix what’s broken.
  • Jesus repeatedly challenges that assumption—activity does not equal alignment.
  • The real question isn’t how hard we’re trying, but what our life is centered on.
  • Treating symptoms feels productive; addressing the center feels risky—but it’s necessary.

Add A Note

What You Treasure Shapes What You See

  • Jesus connects treasure, heart, and vision—center determines direction.
  • A divided focus leads to a distorted life.
  • If God is not the center, even good things become misaligned priorities.
  • You don’t drift into clarity; you center yourself into it.

Add A Note

Proximity to God Is Not the Same as Submission to God

  • Religious activity can exist without relational surrender.
  • Calling Jesus “Lord” doesn’t automatically mean He’s at the center.
  • A miscentered life can still look impressive on the outside.
  • Jesus exposes the danger of knowing about God without being shaped by God.

Add A Note

Foundations Reveal the Center

  • Storms don’t create collapse—they reveal it.
  • The difference between the houses isn’t intention, but obedience.
  • What you build on reflects what you trust.
  • Centering your life on God is what makes it resilient, not fragile.

Add A Note

Walking It Out — Center the Clay

  • Like clay on a potter’s wheel, life must be centered before it can be shaped.
  • More force, more water, or more speed can’t fix off-center clay.
  • If God isn’t at the center, spiritual resolutions only address symptoms.
  • Practically:
    • Reorder daily attention (what gets first, not what gets leftovers).
    • Evaluate habits and goals by alignment, not intensity.
    • Pray Psalm 27:4 as a centering prayer, not just a verse to admire.
    • When God is the center, formation becomes possible—and sustainable.

Add A Note

 

Email my notes