Focus

<<center of attention>>

What you focus on becomes the controlling power in your life; your actions resembling what you think (Mt 15:19). The Bible states we will be transformed as our minds are renewed by thinking about good God-honouring things (Rom 8:5-8, 12:2; Phil 4:8; Col 3:1,2). Keep your attitude, actions, anticipation and words focused on God rather than yourself and circumstances. Don’t let the obstacles or ‘giants’ turn your faith into unbelief and rob you of the inheritance God has for you, as was the case with ten of the twelve spies who checked out the Promised Land – they gave power to what was against them rather than acknowledging who was for them (Num 13:27-33). Maintain a positive mental attitude with a right viewpoint – “Greater is He [Christ] that is in us than he [Satan] that is in the world coming against us” (1 Jn 4:4). However, do not totally overlook or ignore the negative, rather make a valid judgement of the facts, keeping them in perspective without being swayed by opinions and what comes against us, for with God’s help we are well able to achieve (Num 14:6-9).

Satan wants to rob us of our inheritance in Christ. He deceives by getting us too busy, confused, and distracted – with our eyes and hearts deflected from God and from a close, daily walk with Jesus. The Lord is to be the first priority in our lives every day (Ex 20:3; Mk 12:30; 2 Cor 11:3). When our eyes are off Christ and the victory He died to

Keep your eyes on Christ, not what is against you

provide for us, difficulties appear bigger and unconquerable. Peter walked on the water when he had his eyes on, and faith in Jesus, but started to sink when he gave his attention to the waves and conditions around (Mt 14:25-31). Many will turn from the faith as their fervour and focus for God is scattered and reduced by other interests (Mt 13:22, 24:10).

Problems and difficulties are a part of life – they should make us better as in dependency we face them with Jesus, while facing them alone, we may become overwhelmed, bitter and disillusioned.

Understand what God’s will is for your life; let nothing hinder you from doing it. Motivation and determination are necessary to guard our heart (spiritual command center) and to keep focused on the goal as we fix our eyes on Jesus in devotion and obedience (Ps 141:8; Prov 4:23; Heb 3:1, 12:1,2). This will involve denying self, taking up our cross and following Christ (Lk 9:23,24).

As we make a priority of being focused on God’s Kingdom our real needs will be met and the less important things will drop away (Mt 6:33). If we are too focused on our disappointments and problems, we fail to recognise Jesus and everything will soon get out of focus. Busyness and too many undertakings can be a hindrance. Clarify your calling and goals, then set priorities and give these concentrated attention so you can effectively achieve in a few areas.

Whatever we allow to become the focus of our thoughts, guides our actions so when believers and church fellowships are in unity, focusing as a group on serving the Lord and reaching the lost, God blesses and they stay spiritually sharp. In contrast, through self-centeredness, criticism and continually adopting ‘what worked elsewhere’ methods Satan

The focused person makes all things serve their goal

gains the advantage with the individuals and church becoming fragmented, spiritually blunt and ineffective.

We become like what we are committed to or worship. Our character is either moulded into His image or takes on the qualities of whatever idol takes His rightful place (Ps 115:8, 135:15-18).

Paul stated, “Straining towards what is ahead, I press on…” (2 Cor 4:18; Phil 3:13,14). While it is wise to prepare and plan for what is likely to come, our priority is to give our attention and energy to what is our responsibilty to fulfill and what we have control over, rather than being preoccupied on the various predictions and conspiracies of what may take place. Many things are not our concern nor do we have the power to bring them about and so should not be unduly occupied with them but we must be actively doing what is our duty (and for which we are accountable to God) – loving God, living righteously and sharing Jesus with those presently outside His Kingdom.