The changes in this present day seem to be coming at us like water through a fire hose. Day to day needs are shouting at us for our undivided attention. The believer has to be vigilant in keeping his focus on what is really important; that is, the advancement of the kingdom of God in the earth. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." This phrase "seek first the kingdom of God" from our Savior and Lord was not a suggestion, but a command. If we have allowed anything else to steal our focus, then let us make those adjustments by looking into the Word of God for clarity.
Focus is defined in the Webster's dictionary as 'a center of interest or activity.' Where we place our attention is where we direct our focus. Jesus tells us where to place our focus - 'to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.' This is the core or bedrock of our christian life. Here are some questions that will help locate our center of focus. Am I doing everything I can to help spread the gospel over all the world? What is my part in God's master plan? Am I renewing my mind to think God's thoughts? The answers to these focus questions can bring peace and direction to our lives. When our lives become too busy then our focus gets distorted. James 1:8 [amp.] says, '[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].' You may have so many irons in the fire, that you find yourself asking if you will ever have enough time to seek God and obey Him. This is a place of instability and unanswered prayers. James 1:6-7 says, '..... for he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he will shall receive anything of the Lord.' Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place. Focusing on what God's Word says is priority for answers in life. Just being busy, creates a cloud of uncertainty. One the ways of spreading the gospel is by giving finances to the gospel. The kingdom of God operates by sowing and reaping. We give to God not when we can, not when its convenient, not when we win the lottery; but as the Holy Spirit directs. Follow the leading of God, and do not let needs or pressures change your giving to God. Philippians 4:19 says, 'But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.' If the Holy Spirit tells you to give a certain amount to a ministry, then obey and allow God to bless you. God can handle the rent and the light bill. In Luke 6:38 Jesus said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again." If you focus on the kingdom of God, stepping out in faith to obey God; then He becomes your care-taker. First Peter 5:7 says, 'Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.' The kingdom of God is all about people coming to a saving knowledge of God. In Matthew 9:37,38 Jesus said, "...the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest." Focus on your witness for Christ, in word and deed. Whether you are near or far, whether you send or go; it is all for one purpose, for others to know Christ! Is your focus in this life a little hazy and is it hard to see clearly? Hebrews 12:1,2 can clear things up, 'Therefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Heaven is full of those who did not lose their focus on the kingdom of God. They made it, so can we. Let your focus be a Heavenly focus.
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