Not only do we have the task of discovering and understanding truth if we want to grow in our faith, we have to figure out which truths are most important. Some truths are more important or more primary than other truths. For example, we know the truth that we must pray and study the word of God. Yet, if that truth becomes too central, we will reduce our faith in God to a series of spiritual exercises and forget that the basis of our relationship with God is not what we do but what he did through Jesus Christ. We get religious and our hearts get funky.

Truth is important, but it is equally important to determine WHICH truths are foundational in relation to the rest. Isaiah 28:10-11 says, "'Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.' Indeed He will speak to His people..."

God speaks to us in a building way - a line of truth at a time. Truth built upon previously laid truth. The billion-dollar question is, which "lines" should be laid first upon which the others rest? Which "precepts" are foundational? Answering these questions are critical if you are going to have a fruitful life.

For example, you have the right to ask your spouse to put the toothpaste cap back on the tube or to pick up after themselves, but if you consistently lose your temper over little annoyances like that and poison your marriage, something is out of whack in you. The truth of unconditionally loving, giving and being committed to each other is MORE FOUNDATIONAL than your right to make requests.

Some truths are more important, more foundational than others.

Take the duty of Christianity - very important. The disciplines of prayer, study, worship, silence, giving, service, etc - all critical. But the unconditional love and grace of God for us is MORE important than ANYTHING we do. And if we don't get that HIS love and grace is the foundation of all our actions, we will make our actions the foundation of his love and grace for us - very twisted, very weird, very religious, and very wrong.

Get first things first and the rest will fit like a glorious glove.