There are so many things that demand my time and focus. Cleaning the house, schooling my children, spending time with my husband- all of these things keep me busy. Then there are the church things that I stay busy doing. Teaching Sunday school, working in Vacation Bible School, leading a Bible study or church ministry all keep me busy. And, if there is any time left over- entertainment. I can find an hour gone while I use the computer, play music, read a book, or watch television or a movie!
None of these things are bad. Many of these are very good. But, all of them can take my focus off of Jesus Christ, and He is what is truly important. In Second Peter, Peter lists for us some good qualities: knowledge, self control, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. Then he gives a warning:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 2 Peter 1:-5-9
It is easy to become “nearsighted and blind” when I am looking at the wrong things. When I begin to focus on all the good things that are taking up my time, I can lose focus of Jesus Christ. When all the good things block my view of Him, they become distractions that cause me to focus on the wrong thing. The author of Hebrews reminds us of the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus:
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
I need to take time today to refocus. I need to spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. I need to make sure that in the midst of all my busyness, I have the right focus.
Amen! I’m so like you. I get distracted by many things and find I need (or should) to take tiny God breaks throughout the day because one big helping usually doesn’t happen. Thanks for helping in one of those “breaks” today!