PAY ATTENTION

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid – Matthew 5:14 (KJV)

You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept – Matthew 5:14 (MSG)

It sounds good and desirable for us to “know” God’s will in exact and specific terms. The Bible in fact, admonishes us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). We are further encouraged to be “not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). The common reasoning ascribed to these scriptures is that knowing God’s grand plan for every season of our lives; we could direct all our decisions to align.

So, it is usual to seek God’s will concerning: what school to attend or enrol the children in; what career to pursue; what job to take up or change to; what location to reside in; what assignment to fulfil in the Church; what committee to serve on; what mission trip to embark on; or who to marry! We ponder, pray, meditate, consult with friends, and seek for confirmations that point in one direction or the other. We often assume there is one best option to be figured out, one correct choice to be made, or one exact step to be taken in order to abide in God’s will. We fret and wonder, which of the options is God’s will?

Does God intend knowing, understanding and doing His will to be burdensome and complicated? Does He intend your walk with Him to be full of fretting, anxiety, and uncertainty? His Word says: “I will instruct thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8). I think God is more concerned with us FOCUSING ON HIM than LOOKING FOR ANSWERS to every question! Our carnal wish is for God to erect big, glittering directional signs before us; whereas, he simply wants us to PAY ATTENTION!

As you pay attention, God will show or lead you into the very centre of His will. You may receive the gentle witness of your spirit – your inner man, the sweet leading of the Holy Spirit, or a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21). Alas, His will may sometimes not be among your preconceived options or well-calculated alternatives!

God may sometimes intersect your life with people who need His hope or touch, and nudge you, “You have what they need…share it with them.” It may be to offer them a little of your time, a smile or a word of encouragement. It may be to share a little of your story or testimony. While you are seeking His Big Will, don’t miss out on the small, simple acts of obedience that could make significant difference in His ultimate plan. This is what it means to pay attention. It means: to be the light of the world – to those around you (Matthew 5:14).

This is the summary of God’s Mind: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. This is His WILL. This is His PLAN. This is His INSTRUCTION. When you imbibe the habit of obeying His simple instruction today, you’ll develop a keen awareness of His ultimate DIRECTION for tomorrow. As you get into God’s Word and let His Word get into you, you’ll learn to pay closer attention to His moment-by-moment instructions. Your thinking begins to align to His Mind. Your mind assumes a new rhythm of seeing what He wants you to see, so that you can do what He wants you to do.