LIGHT FOR THE FOCUSED LIFE (2)

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” – Hebrews 12:2a

Jesus Christ is the Epitome and Model of LIGHT for the FOCUSED LIFE“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb.12: 1-2). The opposite of focused living is a confused, fragmented, nomadic, unsettled, or rootless life, with no principles, convictions, or commitments; one in which people “keep their options open.”

The wise man gave this counsel concerning Focus: “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right of the left; remove your foot from evil” (Pro.4: 25-27). Focus disallows delay and frustration: “When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble” (Pro.4:12). Outside of focus, life is full of confusion! Focus makes one a “Finder”: We cannot find until we define. It takes concentration to make discoveries – to see what others merely observe. In particular, spiritual focus is vital to a successful service-life and a powerful prayer life (Jh.15:5, 7).

Our First Object of Focus must be GOD, His Kingdom and Will: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt.6:33). Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa.26:3). We must focus on Vision, Purpose, Calling, and Talents; our “Strengths” or “Boundary of Brilliance”; and on doing a few things very well. The focused person concentrates on what he does best, and learns to say NO to the good so that he can say YES to the best. God is focused. At creation, He concentrated on a specific task each day. He made us pilgrims of purpose, not wandering nomads!

Finally, focus makes one a “finisher”! Having set His face like a flint to accomplish Redemption, Jesus declared: “It is finished”! (Jh.19:30). He was a Finisher per excellence. Paul’s unwavering focus also made him an effective Finisher: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2Tim.4:7-8). A Runner without focus is a ready-made failure, a disaster looking for somewhere to happen. To finish the Race, we must stay on the Track (Phi.3: 12-14).