Be Focused

Be Focused

In an earlier study I wrote on how we are living in an age of distraction.  These are intense times.  We are constantly hit with news, advertisement, games, amusements, and other distractions.  We now have extreme sports that give people overly intense experiences.  The intensity of distractions in our lives can obscure our focus and pull our attention off of where it needs to be.  The distractions often feel as if they are full of joy and happiness and often feel good and exciting to our flesh.  Distractions are of the world.

1 Peter 5: 8-9 (NIV)

8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

When we lose our focus on God we often then turn our focus on the pain and trials of life.  And these things can suck our joy dry.

We get more of what we focus on.  When we change our focus we find that our actions change as well.  We need to set our focus on Jesus Christ.  If we want to grow our relationship with Christ we need to focus on Him and His Word.  We need to be led by the Holy Spirit.  We need to listen for God’s word in our lives.  Keep your focus on eternal things, not external things.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 (NIV)

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Christ kept His focus so that we would be redeemed through Him.  He is a perfect example of how to keep the focus in life.  Focus on your potential, not your limitations. Focus on your purpose!  Knowing your purpose keeps you focused. 

Acts 20:24 (NIV)

24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

You need intense focus and do not be moved by the world’s distractions.  So therefore keep your focus on God and His word and God will focus you on everything else in His will.  In this place your focus will remain on His promise.  Prayer is one way to build and keep the focus.

In prayer…

Holy and gracious God, give us the focus to diligently seek you and patience to wait for you.  Grant us a focused mind to meditate on you and your word, ears to listen for your word, an open heart to embrace the gospel, and a life to proclaim you to all.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.