Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceBeing focused refers to the ability to concentrate one's attention and efforts on a particular task, goal, or purpose without being distracted. In the Christian life, focus is essential for spiritual growth, effective ministry, and fulfilling God's will. The Bible emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on God and His purposes, as distractions can lead to spiritual stagnation or deviation from the path of righteousness.
Biblical Examples and Teachings1.
Jesus Christ: Jesus exemplified perfect focus on His mission. Despite numerous distractions and temptations, He remained committed to fulfilling the Father's will. In
Luke 9:51, it is noted, "As the time approached for Him to be taken up, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." His determination to complete His mission is a model for believers to remain focused on God's calling.
2.
Apostle Paul: Paul often spoke about the importance of focus in the Christian life. In
Philippians 3:13-14, he writes, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Paul’s singular focus on his heavenly calling serves as an encouragement to believers to prioritize their spiritual goals.
3.
Martha and Mary: The account of Martha and Mary in
Luke 10:38-42 illustrates the importance of focusing on what truly matters. While Martha was distracted by her preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus commended Mary for choosing "the good part," highlighting the importance of focusing on spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.
Scriptural Admonitions1.
Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This verse encourages believers to focus on eternal, heavenly matters rather than being consumed by temporal, earthly distractions.
2.
Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This passage urges Christians to focus on Jesus and the spiritual race, shedding distractions and sins that hinder progress.
3.
Proverbs 4:25-27: "Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." This wisdom literature emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused and straight path in life, avoiding distractions that lead to sin.
Practical Application1.
Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation on God's Word help believers maintain focus on spiritual matters.
Psalm 119:15 states, "I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways."
2.
Setting Priorities: Christians are encouraged to prioritize their lives according to God's will.
Matthew 6:33 advises, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."
3.
Avoiding Distractions: Believers are called to be vigilant against distractions that can lead them away from their spiritual goals.
1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
By maintaining focus on God and His purposes, Christians can lead lives that are pleasing to Him and effective in their witness to the world.
Topical Bible Verses
Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Topicalbible.orgRomans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
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Hebrews 12:1-2
Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
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Colossians 3:1
If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
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Hebrews 3:1
Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
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Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth: unite my heart to fear your name.
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Library
Editor's Note
... and issued in twenty-one parts, the successive installmentsbeing eagerly expected...
Mr. Birrell, in his "appreciation," hasfocused in a very striking way the...
Whether the Fire Whereby the World Will be Cleansed Will be of the...
... of the rays of the heavenly bodies, just as we see themfocused together in... no
indication of the nature of water except in the point of itsbeing receptive of...
The Three Elements of a Complete Life
... upon the water; the God in whom we live and move and have ourbeing; the God... My men
had their riflesfocused upon you, waiting the word to fire, but when you...
Lessons from the Angelus
... the waters; the God in whom we live, and move, and have ourbeing; the God of... My
men had their riflesfocused upon you, waiting the word to fire, but when you...
What the Perfection of Man Consist of in this Life
... directions of our interest cannot both be perfect at the same time,being as different...
of God, who is perfect truth, until the will is perfectlyfocused on the...
The Bible Way.
... But rather than itsbeing the Bible converted into human life, it is human life... Your
heart must lay hold upon it until that life isfocused and printed upon...
Our Requests Made Known unto God
... The inspired apostlefocused attention on a great truth when he said, ".... that it
is not possible to pray with confidence toward the Lord withoutbeing aware of...
Light for those who Sit in Darkness
... of the earth, comes to be your Savior, there remains no difficulty in yourbeing
saved... then think of his death, for here the light of grace isfocused; the cross...
Removing the Veil
... He cannot do either, forbeing perfect He cannot become more perfect, and if He
were... natures to come to our attention till the light of God isfocused upon them...
The Struggle for the Life of Others
...Focused in a single humanbeing, this function, as we rise in history, slowly begins
to be accompanied by those heaven-born psychical states which transform...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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