Rich Kao

Growth.  Numbers.  Disciples.  Conversions.  Impact.  We all want it as pastors, church planters, ministry leaders.   I was recently refreshed by how freeing it is to keep our eye on the top line, not the bottom line.   Managing the top line is focusing on strategy, vision, execution, recruiting talent.  If you do that, the bottom line takes care of itself.    This is actually a restatement of one of the most important principles given by Jesus himself:  "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you (Mt. 6:33)."  Get it?  The top line is seeking the kingdom.   Do that and the bottom line ("and all these things") shall take care of itself.  Here's another one..."The book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night that you be careful to do all that is in it, then you shall make your way prosperous, and you shall have success (Josh 1:8)."   Top line:  assimilate the word of God into your life day and night, and the bottom line (success and prosperity) will take care of itself.  Christian leaders: Fret not.  If we'll tend to our top lines, the bottom lines will take care of itself.