The Bible is replete with “focus,” though we don’t actually see that particular word in Scripture, or at least in the King James Version, which I use. God does not want us preoccupied with the insubstantial things of this life, but the Truth of His Word. He wants us to think on our ways, ponder our path and always keep our focus on Him.
It is very easy to get caught up in the world and neglect that which is eternal. There is nothing wrong with being engaged in our work, play, politics, but the problems arise when we allow the temporal to take our focus off of the eternal. This world is not our home. To be prepared for heaven, the work must be done in this life, …and it can’t be done when our daily lives are filled to capacity with the temporal. Just as an athlete focuses intently on the goal, we too should focus on our eternal goal.
“It’s not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”
Focus on God . . . . “And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burn offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33
“I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.” Psalms 9:1
Focus on Christ . . . . . . “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: . . . .” I Corinthians 15:3
Focus on Truth . . . . . “Buy the Truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Proverbs 23:23
Focus on Our Heart and Path: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:23-27
Focus on Prayer . . . . . “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
“My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” Psalms 5:3
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” I Peter 3:12
Focus on Virtue . . . . . “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
“It is amazing how much difference there is in what men see. Where one views a hamlet, another a city; where one beholds ugliness, another beauty; and where one sees defeat, another victory. The difference is in the men – not the things they behold. The sights are fairer to those with deeper insights. And backbone gives them special lenses.” ~ Leroy Brownlow
Eileen Light