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A Heavenward Focus
Not too long ago, I was listening to tennis great, Chris Everett. As a co-host commentator, she made mention of the necessity of focus as a fundamental doctrine of her game. I paraphrase her remarks.
Focus on the ball, not where you want it to go. If you do, the rest will take care of itself.
And it occurred to me, that is the key to the spiritual life as well, and certainly the implication of Christ's Words to me back in August of 1986: Keep your focus on Me.
Just think about it. Our focus so often is on the carnal, not the spiritual, on the creature, rather than the Creator, on self, not others, on the here and now, not the forevermore. Why? Because we don't value the eternal and its doctrines over the temporal. Which means of course, we lightly esteem God.
This is tragic! We have the notion that we can't take anything with us when we depart this world. Right? Partially. Though we will not take anything of this world with us, we will take the consequences of our decisions concerning God's Word, which is alive and powerful.
The Word alone has eternal value. Christ has said, "What good does it to gain the whole world, but forfeit [your] soul?" He might ask the believer, "What good does it for the believer to gain the whole world, but lose his Glory Blessings?"
It's the WORD, stupid!
It is the Word, God's Word, that one pearl of great value, which blesses for time and produces the hundredfold return. And in the world to come, eternal life (Mark 10:29-30). It is important to note, that our eternal status, rank, and rule is dependent upon our spiritual advancement within the Sphere of Faith (filled with the Spirit) in time. There is no further advancement in the heavenly state after death, for heaven is a state of perfection.
Therefore, we must learn to focus heavenward, first, where our true rewards and riches lie, and the rest (needs, desires) will take care of itself. Our priority is living the spiritual life; God takes care of our earthly concerns. We have His Word on it!
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you, Mt. 6:33.
And what are these things which God speaks of? They are peace, joy, and contentment. These are transcending values. But that I mean they are NOT dependent upon race, gender, IQ, social status, NOR acquired by human effort or ability, but result from a divine viewpoint within the God's plan for our lives.
How much more will God give to those who focus on Christ? Much more, says the Word.
Earthbound thinking limits our capabilities, restricts our creativity, and most certainly, hinders God's plan for our lives-now and forever. God says,
I know the plans that I have for you...plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope, Jer. 29:11
Yet these plans will go undiscovered, unchallenged, unfulfilled, if we choose not to follow Christ, the maker of men and women for the glory of God.
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