In “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results,” Gary Keller provides a powerful and transformative approach to achieving success by focusing on the most important task or goal in one’s life.
As a Christian non-fiction author, you can use this concept to help your readers better understand the value of prioritizing their spiritual growth and relationship with God. Below are three primary takeaways from “The ONE Thing” that you can incorporate into your writing, each supported by biblical passages .
Takeaway #1: Focus on the most important thing
Keller emphasizes the importance of identifying the single most important thing in one’s life and devoting time, energy, and resources to it. As a Christian author, you can inspire your readers to recognize their relationship with God as the most significant aspect of their lives and prioritize it above all else. The Bible also highlights the significance of focusing on one’s spiritual life:
- Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
- Colossians 3:2: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
- Luke 10:41-42: “And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'”
Takeaway #2: Eliminate distractions
Keller advocates for the elimination of distractions to create an environment conducive to focusing on the most important thing. As a Christian author, you can guide your readers to identify and remove distractions that hinder their spiritual growth, encouraging them to maintain a strong connection with God.
The Bible also warns against distractions that can lead one away from God:
- Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.“
- 1 Corinthians 7:35: “And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.”
- Matthew 13:22: “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.“
Takeaway #3: Develop discipline and be consistent
Keller underscores the importance of discipline and consistency in achieving extraordinary results. As a Christian author, you can encourage your readers to develop these traits in their spiritual journey, consistently dedicating time to prayer, studying the Bible, and engaging in acts of service.
The Bible also teaches the value of discipline and being consistent in your spiritual life:
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
- 2 Timothy 2:15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
- Hebrews 12:11: “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Gary Keller’s “The ONE Thing” provides valuable insights that can be applied to the Christian journey.
By focusing on the most important thing, eliminating distractions, and developing discipline and consistency, you can grow spiritually and strengthen your relationship with God.
The power of prioritizing your spiritual life and relying on God’s grace can lead to extraordinary results in every aspect of your life.
By incorporating these takeaways into your writing, you will emotionally impact your readers and help them make significant changes in their lives, too.
