LIGHT FOR THE FOCUSED LIFE (1)

“No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” – Luke 9:62

Crucial for a Maximized Destiny is LIGHT for the FOCUSED LIFE: “But Jesus said to him, no one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk.9:62). Here, the Lord Jesus Christ underscored the importance of the Force of Focus. The Living Bible Translation says, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the kingdom of God.” To be focused in one or more aspects of life means: to be pointed, purposeful, and targeted; to prioritize and concentrate; to strike one’s blows on a spot until the purpose is accomplished. To be focused is to be of one specific idea, one steady aim, one single and concentrated purpose.

Our meditation passage teaches that no one can look back and be fit for the Kingdom of God. There can be no Maximized Life wherever distractions are permitted. The Lord engaged in three short conversations on the nature of discipleship; what it means to follow after him. True discipleship demands single-minded, focused devotion and direction. The Lord didn’t leave any room for half-hearted negotiation when it came to devotion to His Mission. Discipleship is not about fitting Jesus into our agenda; it’s really about fitting us into His! At the very beginning of the passage, Jesus “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (v.51). This indicates singular focus on His Purpose and Mission, providing a backdrop for the three conversations that centred on: worldly comfort; temporal distractions; and carnal considerations.

Here are Five of the many Imperatives and Benefits of Focus:

Focus is vital to Life: Life doesn’t just happen. Life is not a rehearsal or practice session; it is the real thing, and it is about choices and responses. Successful people don’t drift to the top. It takes focus and discipline under divine favour.

Focus reinforces Faith: Peter, who walked on the sea at the Lord’s bidding, began to sink the moment he lost focus (Mt.14:22-31). The apostle instructed the lame man by the temple gate which was called Beautiful, “Look at us,” and he encountered his miracle (Acts 3:4-6).

Focus is a key Success Skill: Focus ensures divine speed, impact, and optimal time for achievement – the Maximized Life. When we focus our attention, we create Strength and Momentum. In photography, without focus, materials waste, labour is lost and results are unsatisfactory.

Focus ensures stress-free living: It relieves of varied pressures and ensures excellent balance in life. Benjamin Franklin said, “If a man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles”!

Focus energizes Life’s Race: Focus empowers us to endure the way of the cross, despise the shame on the way, persist against all odds, overcome worldly comfort, temporal distractions, and carnal interruptions, and attain heights of divine approval (Heb.12:1-2).