Keeping Life In Focus

Keeping Life In Focus

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13–14

Focus. That single word holds the key for success in so many different endeavors of life. This was at the heart of Paul’s own interest when he challenged us to “set our minds on things above” in the Colossian letter (3:2). It was also at the heart of his message to the Philippians when he said, “This one thing I do” (KJV).

The powerful Federal Express company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, exploded into worldwide prominence by simply bringing focus to one thing—overnight deliveries. Southwest Airlines is one of the nation’s leading air carriers today primarily because of its single focus on low-cost coach travel with on-time performance. And who could talk about the element of focus without mentioning the Starbucks coffee chain. When all other coffee shops were busy dispensing all types of food services, Starbucks simply developed coffee shops with a focus on, of all things, coffee!

Focus is fundamental to spiritual success as well as business success. Keeping the main thing the main thing in the midst of a multitude of other things is always a challenge for a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the key elements to spiritual growth is the ability to obtain and then maintain focus in the Christian life. Focus will lead us to do four things.

FOCUS WILL PUT OUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER

Paul said, “This one thing I do” (Philippians 3:13 KJV). Not ten things, not five things, not even two things. But “this one thing I do.” Focus helps us put our priorities in order. First, you define your goal, and then it begins to define you.

FOCUS WILL GIVE US A FORWARD MIND-SET

Too many of us today spend most of our time looking around us or, worse yet, looking behind us. Focus enables us to begin to see our glass half full instead of half empty. It gives us a forward mind-set. Paul went on to say that he was “reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Paul’s focus led him to possess a wise forgetfulness about the past and enabled him to make sure his reach continued to exceed his grasp.

FOCUS WILL SET US ON THE SECOND MILE

Focus brings a passion to our work that instills within us a desire to do what is required—and then some. Paul said, “I press.” This word press carries with it the idea of an intense endeavor, much like an avid hunter who is pursuing his prey. Paul was pressing because he had focus; he had “one thing” as the main priority in life.

FOCUS ENABLES US TO KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING

One of the most valuable assets focus will bring to us is the ability to know where we are headed. Paul said he was pressing toward “the goal.” This word is a translation of the Greek word skopos, from which we get our English word scope. Like the scope on a rifle, focus will enable us to get our goals and priorities in the crosshairs. Focus enables us to know where we are going and how we are going to get there. It keeps our priorities in the bull’s-eye of our target.

Focus is the fountainhead of successful living. It helps us to begin our task with the end in mind. So what is your goal in Christian living? What is in the crosshairs of your scope? When we begin to focus on Christ alone, we find that He will put our priorities in order, He will give us a forward look, He will set us on the second mile, and He will let us clearly see the end from the beginning.

As you memorize this verse this week, meditate on Christ and on Him alone. Put Him in the crosshairs and do that “one thing” you do, for the glory of His name. Keep your life in focus by keeping Christ in the center of it.