Thursday, March 28

Focus

So be careful how you live. (‘focus’) Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, (‘distracted’) but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (‘focus’) 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, (‘distraction’) because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. (‘focus’)  Ephesians 5:15-18

(Brackets are my words for added focus!)

When a Lion Tamer holds a 3 leg stall in the face of the lion the need for multi-focus suspends the lion’s single-mindedness and he becomes calm and ineffective.

Distraction, indecision and paralysis comes from a lack of focus.

Paul urges us to stay focused, attentive and thoughtful to the purpose of God in our lives, to the priorities of every day.

Focus will increase your ability to make the most of every opportunity
Focus can keep you out of foolishness and into wisdom and a clear path.

When Kevin Costner, as Robin Hood in the ‘Prince of Thieves’ is shooting arrows in practice, Maid Marian says “Can you do it with distraction?”.  As he is about to shoot she blows on his neck.  Naturally, the arrow ends many metres away from the target!

Distraction robs us of our productivity and effectiveness.  That’s your ipod in the middle of class, facebook open while trying to put a business presentation together, a flirting colleague, the guilt of your past.

 …let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, (‘distraction’) and let us run with endurance the race that is SET BEFORE US, (‘focus’)  2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was SET BEFORE HIM (‘Jesus was focused’) endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1,2

Jesus conquered distraction because He kept His focus on His main thing – He was here for one reason – to go to the cross and set us free.  Focus with Christ brings peace – which conquers distraction.

Jack Nicklaus (holder of 20 golf championship titles) said “Do one thing & do it very well”

Get focused today, not just on the immediate tasks at hand, but on your core values and primary responsibilities.  Focus on your overriding priorities at work.  Focus on what energises us most in your leisure time.  Focus when you pray.  Focus when you are with others.

Life is so much more rewarding when we are focused.  Have a fantastic week.