NEW LIFE, NEW FOCUS
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)
Where is your focus?
You may be thinking that it’s difficult to answer that question. You have so much going on that your focus is here one minute and there the next. But let’s be honest with ourselves for one moment. Whatever dominates our thoughts is our focus. What’s at the forefront of your mind will ultimately drive your words and actions.
So, what’s on your mind? Is there something that you go to sleep thinking about? Then, wake back up the next morning and pick right back up where you left off, thinking about it some more. It could be bills, work, your family— any number of different things. My guess is that for most of us, it’s the things of this life that dominate our thoughts. And it makes sense—what we can see, touch and interact with is right there.
But God is calling us to set our sights on the realities of Heaven. Since we have new life in Him, our focus should shift from the things of this world to the realities of the next. And while culture encourages us to grab, climb and accumulate, we can’t take any of that with us. I’ve heard it said that the only thing we can take with us to Heaven is other people. Are we living in light of eternity? Do we have an urgency to share the Good News with those around us, that they too might pass from death to life?
APPLICATION:
Take stock of your thoughts. What is dominating them? Have you trusted God enough to take that situation to Him? As you do, ask Him to help you to focus on the realities of Heaven. Invite the Spirit to guide you toward those in your life who need to hear the Good News.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to focus on what matters most. Remind me that my true life is in You, not the trappings of this world. Transform me by the renewing of my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?