The Power of Focus: Unlocking Spiritual Growth

Focus is the ability to see without distraction. In today's fast-paced and constantly buzzing world, your attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. Social media, technology, and the countless distractions of daily life can make it difficult to maintain focus on what truly matters.

As a disciple of Christ, it is essential that you prioritize your focus and train yourself to see without distraction. There is no doubt that you are heading toward what you are looking at.

The Bible speaks extensively about the importance of focus, highlighting its significance in your relationship with God and your spiritual journey as a disciple of Christ. In this article, you will explore the meaning of focus, its challenges, and why it is crucial to develop as a disciple of Christ.

What is focus? At its core, focus is the ability to see without distraction. It is the act of directing all of your attention and energy towards a specific goal or task. As a Christian, your ultimate goal is to live a life that is pleasing to God and to spread His kingdom message to the world. Therefore, your focus should always be on Him and His teachings.

Challenges to Focus

The Bible warns about the challenges to your focus and how they can hinder your spiritual growth. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains that the seed that fell among thorns represents those who hear the word of God but are “choked with the cares of this world” (Luke 8:14). This verse highlights the distractions and worldly desires that can cloud your focus and prevent you from bearing fruit in your spiritual life.

Another challenge to focusing is the temptation to be double-minded. In James 1:8, it says, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” This verse speaks of the danger of trying to serve both God and the world. It is impossible to focus on both at the same time, and attempting to do so will only lead to instability and a lack of direction in your life.

The Importance of Focus as a Disciple of Christ

As a disciple of Christ, your ultimate goal should be to follow in His footsteps and live according to His teachings. However, this can only be achieved through a strong and unwavering focus on Him. Here are three reasons why focus is crucial for a disciple of Christ:

1. To follow God's will

In order to fully understand and obey God's will for your life, you need to have a sharp and clear focus on Him. In Proverbs 4:25-27, it says, “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil.” This verse emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus firmly fixed on God so that we do not stray from His path for our lives.

2. To Overcome Temptations

As a Christian, you are not immune to temptations. In fact, the Bible warns you that you will face various trials and temptations throughout your life (James 1:2). However, with a strong focus on God, you can overcome these temptations and live a victorious life. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” This verse assures you that God will provide a way out of temptation, but you need to have your focus on Him in order to see and take hold of that escape route.

3. To Grow Spiritually

Finally, focus is crucial for your spiritual growth as disciples of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, it says, “But we all, with open faces beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The more you focus on Christ and His nature, the more you will become like Him. As you continue to focus on Him, your faith will grow stronger, and your spiritual life will be transformed.

Examples of Focus in the Bible

The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who exemplified a strong focus on God and how it benefited them in their journey with Him. Here are a few examples:

• David: Despite facing many trials and challenges, David had a steadfast focus on God. In Psalm 27:4, he declares, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.” This focus on God helped David become a great king and a man after God’s own heart.
• Peter: When Peter's focus strayed from Jesus and onto the stormy sea, he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-31). However, when he cried out to Jesus for help and fixed his focus back on Him, he was able to walk on the water and reach the boat safely. This is a powerful example of the importance of maintaining your focus on God in the midst of life’s storms.
• Paul: Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and countless trials, Paul stayed focused on his mission to spread the gospel of Christ. In Philippians 3:14, he says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." This unwavering focus allowed Paul to continue his ministry and impact countless lives for Christ.

In conclusion, as a disciple of Christ, focus is vital for your spiritual growth and success. It helps you to stay on the path that God has set for you and overcome the distractions and temptations of the world. With a strong and unwavering focus on God and His teachings, you can live a purposeful and fruitful life as His disciple.

Prayer for Focus

Heavenly Father, I come before you today to pray for your help in developing a strong focus on you and your teachings. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, I know that I cannot do this on my own. So I ask for your guidance and strength to keep my eyes fixed on you and your will for my life. Help me to overcome any challenges or temptations that may hinder my focus. May my focus on you continue to grow stronger each day and transform me into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Your partner,
(c) Apostle Jonas Clark
www.jonasclark.com