How’s your focus?
Many thousands of dollars per year are spent in this country as we go to the eye doctors to have our vision checked, our glasses updated and to ensure that when we look at something we have the ability to focus properly. Sometimes our children are moved to the front of the class to assist them in being able to better see the blackboard or to focus on the teacher so they can keep up with the class and continue to learn. If this is not enough, then they too get to visit the optometrist.
As we continue into adulthood we still sometimes need help to see clearly. But, if we are a bit vain or just don’t like the discomfort of glasses, we perhaps invest in contact lenses. Some even go to the point of seeking laser surgery and all of this is so that we can retain the focus with our eyes.
But, do we ever think of our spiritual focus? Jesus, in Luke 11:34-35 spoke of the need for “spiritual focus”. He said: The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. 35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. What He was saying here is that we are to be careful regarding that upon which we focus. This is evident in vs 36. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
We read in John 8:12 that Jesus told the people of His day, that they needed to focus on Him and fill themselves with the light that He offered so that their spiritual focus would be correct. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Those who follow the Lord in the New Testament age are those who walk in the light.
When Saul (Paul) was approached on the road to Damascus he was told by the Lord what was wanted of him. The Lord appeared to Saul to give him the opportunity to be a minister of the Lord to the Gentiles. His mission is spelled out in Acts 26:18. He was to go to them and preach: To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. In short, he was to direct their focus upon the Savior so they would be properly informed and have the opportunity to obey the gospel.
Once one has obeyed the gospel, their focus is to remain on Christ. The Spirit had John tell the church this in 1John 1:7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Stay focused.
Dennis S. - Mooresville
