A Reflection On Outward Focus

When I need to look beyond myself

Sometimes we can be outward-focused, seeing people’s needs and trying to meet them. More often, we are just trying to get through the day, feeding ourselves and our families, and trying to earn enough to pay the bills.

Jesus urges His disciples to look beyond themselves. He tells them to thrive on the will of God and His passion for people who need the gospel. They are to be outward-focused, filled with vision. Their ambition should be to see the gathering of the Kingdom of God, not just to get through the daily grind. The substance of life is eternal, and we can invest it either in the Kingdom or in the world. Jesus points us to His Kingdom.

Do you understand why we are here? Do not be distracted by the daily routine or by the needs of the hour. Learn to recognize moments for sharing the gospel. Jesus has given us a mission and told us to have a vision for what’s going on around us. Focus outward, not inward.

Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.

John 4:35