Posts Tagged ‘ Focus ’
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2, ESV
This world is a mess, full of distractions, problems, and temptations.
Let us keep our focus on the heavenly things, not ignoring the world but bringing heaven here.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8, ESV
Honestly, this world is scary and evil, and it can be easy to be overwhelmed and become cynical.
God wants us to focus on the good things – not ignore the bad, but focus on God, His goodness, and the goodness spread by His Church and goodwill.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1, ESV
A new life I Christ means focusing on the holy, bringing the Kingdom to Earth by sharing Christ’s light through our lives of devotion to Him.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8, ESV
If we focus on how bad the world is, we can pulled into complaining and worry. If we focus on what good is happening, we can share our joy with a hurting world, especially the salvation offered by Christ.
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, ESV
Focusing on the things of this world is rejecting God.
Focusing on God and His Will conforms us to wanting and seeking His Willl in this world.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23, ESV
What you cherish and focus on will guide your life.
Do you focus on the Word of God? Do you cherish the revelation of our Lord?
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, ESV
If all you think about is worldly pleasures, problems, or passions, you may find yourself anxious, angry, or against God.
Maybe not in this life, but the only way to find the peace of eternal life is to listen to the Holy Spirit and focus and believe on Christ.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23, ESV
This is not a “know thyself” proverb. This is a “be careful what you think, feel, watch, and listen to” warning and encouragement.
Focus on good and godly things.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34, NIV
Life throws many problems at us, and it can be difficult not worrying.
The key is focusing on Christ. It is not easy, but worrying only makes things worse (at least in our minds.)
Find the old wisdom with a new perspective at Proverbial Thought!
One of my favorite Michael W. Smith songs is Missing Person. That song was partly inspiration for this poem.
It occurred to me, though, that with just that song it can be easy to miss the point.
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:8b-16, ESV
For a Christian who has grown stale, who feels like the passion and the power of Christ is gone, trying to get back to who we once were as a new believer is not the right focus. Our focus must always be on the One who changes us through His power and resurrection: Jesus Christ. Only then can we find that passion and power we once felt.
finding the old new self
most of us believe in power
then get comfortable and stale
we then begin to look for
that faith that now looks so pale
we start looking for that person
whom we were when we were younger
perhaps there is a reason
we are unable to get there
we are trying so hard to
get back to who we used to be
that we neglect the full truth
and our focus is on “me”
we had that power at first
because we gave up our lives
realized that it took rebirth
and giving control to Christ
let us stop trying to find ourselves
and return to what can save us
through faith a grace from God above
manifested in His Son Jesus