23 December, 2024

Pebbles, Rocks, and Water

by | 30 September, 2015 | 4 comments

By Jim Tune

Most readers will be familiar with Stephen Covey”s prioritizing system. He urges us to differentiate the truly important from the merely urgent; the essential thing from the merely marginal. Frequently referred to as the “big rocks” illustration, Covey produces a bucket (which symbolizes our life), a few big rocks (which symbolize our most essential priorities), and a bunch of small pebbles (which symbolize the tasks that seem urgent, but ultimately aren”t essential).

Covey pours the pebbles into the bucket, and then invites a seminar participant to try to add all of the big rocks. This proves impossible, of course. Covey starts over by putting the big rocks into the bucket first, and then adding all of the pebbles. The pebbles nestle into the spaces between the big rocks, allowing the bucket to hold the entire load.

I”ve seen numerous variations of this object lesson. The bottom line is this: get the big rocks right””handle the highest priorities first””or you will squander your schedule, your time, and your life with urgent, but trivial, things.

29_Overdorf2_JNI think our movement has historically concerned itself with getting the big rocks right, especially when it comes to doctrine. This is an admirable and challenging goal, even though theologians don”t always agree on what the big rocks are. I”m increasingly turned off by belligerent dogmatism and doctrinal feuding. Nevertheless, I believe sound doctrine does still matter, and our historical concern for scriptural accuracy is a right and noble pursuit. We must allow for a generosity of spirit toward those who disagree with our conclusions, without surrendering convictions that we believe to be scripturally informed.

Since the earliest days of our movement, baptism by immersion as the mechanism for obeying the gospel has been one of the big rocks in our theological position. While not universally accepted among all three streams of the Restoration Movement, I believe it”s accurate to say, for most of our history, the Christian church has affirmed that new birth takes place when someone believes the gospel, repents of sins, and submits to water baptism. There”s just no denying this position is one of the big rocks that our churches have affirmed as bucket-worthy.

I really hope this view continues to prevail in our churches, even as we pursue greater levels of comfort and cooperation with the Evangelical world. Our position is not new or novel. It is the historic position of the earliest church fathers. It is backed by massive biblical support. Let”s not quibble over the pebbles, but we still need to do our best to get the big rocks right.

4 Comments

  1. -brent

    Jim, Thanks for the thoughts as they ring true in this ever changing world. Adherence to the clear word is tough when the world is trying its best to derail us. I hear so many people giving me a different gospel as I try to share the Gospel with them. It is the same struggle; but it sure looks different than what grandpa talked about. Take care,

  2. Victor Knowles

    Rock on, Jim. Rock-solid truth.

  3. Dennis Free

    A hearty amen from the islands Columbus missed (Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia)

  4. Pat Stillwagner

    Two things do not change: the Word of God (the Bible) and dead things. One very important thing to remember is the Restoration Movement was to restore, not redecorate. What we think as men does not matter, it is the Word of God that matters–don’t add to it or change it . . .

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

Our Lion is Greater

Communion reminds us that the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5) has conquered the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) and freed us from his grip.

He Comes with Purpose

Luke ends his Gospel with the disciples worshiping Jesus as he ascended back to God and commissioned his disciples to spread the gospel to the world.

The Best Bible Study Ever

The last chapter of Luke’s Gospel tells about a small group gathering that could be considered the best Bible study ever. 

December 29 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “He Comes With Distinction” (Luke 24:36-53), by Mark Scott.

Follow Us