Where is your focus? Maybe it is upon the aspirations and goals you have set for yourself this year. It may be more narrowly upon a trial you may be facing or a desire you have right now. It may also be possible that you have no true focus at all, or your focus is crystal clear. Wherever you find yourself, we live in a world that is constantly trying to steal our focus, draw our attention elsewhere, or change our perspectives. We get pulled in so many directions that our path and purpose can become unclear. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…” As Christians, our focus should be there. As we strive, it ought to be for holiness (1 Peter 1:16), and as we press on, it ought to be to that upward calling (Philippians 3:14). The question I would like us to consider is, “How?”
In the book of Proverbs, there is a pearl of wisdom that will help us with our focus. Proverbs 4:25 says, “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.” Have you ever heard the phrase, “Keep your eyes on the prize?” That is exactly what the writer is saying here. To maintain a proper focus, we must maintain a “tunnel vision” on what matters most. If you have ever seen a horse race, you know they put “blinders” on the horses so all they can see is what is right in front of them. This reduces distractions and lowers stress because all they are focused on is the race in front of them. The race of life is more complicated than a horse race but applying this principle to our lives will be beneficial. So once again, how do we accomplish this?
Gaining a better focus might mean saying “no” to more activities outside the home and “yes” to more family Bible studies, prayer time, and devotionals within the home. Having a better focus might mean saying “no” more to isolation and “yes” to times of fellowship. It might mean meditating more, being thankful more, and serving more. It also might mean scrolling less, complaining less, and worrying less. Applying this principle may look different in each of our lives, but we should all reflect and then remove the things that are distracting us from where our focus should be. Satan, through this world, is trying to get your attention on anything other than the Kingdom and righteousness of God. With wisdom, look ahead and keep your gaze focused on the goal.
-Bryce Mayfield