How To Stay Focused On Christ
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3
Dear reader, in this dark and evil day, we cannot stress to you enough how VITALLY IMPORTANT it is for us all to stay focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. Please consider the following as you seek diligently to stay focused on Christ.
- Eliminate distractions
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 There are so many distractions out there, to keep us from being focused on Christ. While many of those distractions are plainly bad for us, some may actually not be bad at all, in and of themselves, but if they keep us from our proper focus — that focus being the Lord Jesus Christ – they are nevertheless bad for us, and must be purged, or at least trimmed back.
“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4 We cannot allow ourselves to become entangled with distractions. The enemy like a ravening and roaring lion is seeking to distract and devour God’s people.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith . . .” 1 Peter 5:8-9 Do NOT allow yourself to become distracted with that which is unfruitful — or even that which is good, but which takes our focus off of Christ inordinately.
- Stay in God’s Word
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Staying in God’s Word helps us to stay strong and focused. It is our spiritual food, and gives our spirit strength, just as physical food gives us strength and helps us to function properly physically. If we deny ourselves time in His Word, we will become weakened spiritually, and will be unable to function properly or do those exploits which He talks about.
- Prayer and Meditation
Communion with the Almighty is essential in staying properly focused. It is in that quiet hour, when we are alone with God, that we gain our greatest strength, and keep our focus best.
“Be still, and know that I am God . . .” Psalms 46:10. When you are basking in the warmth of His glorious presence, the peace of God fills your heart and mind, and lifts you to planes of light that cannot be surpassed this side of heaven. When Moses was in the presence of God, forty days went by like it was nothing. It is what we were created for — communion with God — and it gives us strength for the journey and helps us keep our focus.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11
- Fellowship
In this dark and evil day, we must surround ourselves with like-minded believers. This helps us stay strong in the Lord. Iron sharpens iron, and waning embers are not kept hot except they be surrounded by other burning embers.
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17. “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another tohelp him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
This is one of the main reasons the powers that be – the spiritual wickedness in high places – wanted the churches shut down so badly. We gain strength when we have fellowship one with another, and the enemy wants us to stay weak, and to focus on anything but Christ.
Oh! dear reader, let us NOT be sidetracked! Let us focus on our Lord Jesus Christ! It will be to us life and victory.
