Scriptural Reference:
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Colossians 3:2

"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you."
Proverbs 4:25

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Matthew 6:33

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit."
Romans 8:5

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galatians 2:20

Reflection:
A focused life is an intense one. Where a the smallest detail can be like a single piece of a jigsaw puzzle; as well as each piece is needed and adds up to create the bigger picture. Sadly people who live such life's are not accepted or appreciated. They are mostly deemed to be too focused and out of touch with the world. The world is for the most part all about merging with the flow of society. Becoming one of the masses and fitting in. Those who tend to do their own thing tend to stand out and get ridiculed. They are deemed to be awkward and socially weird. Sure many celebrities will stand up and claim to be original and amazing. Yet if we were to look closely they all tend to copy someone else. They all tend to create an image that fits them in with their fan base and thus make them more marketable to the masses. The very same ones who claim that being an individual will also decry anyone who is an individual. So those of us who tend to look deeper into things and search for deeper meaning will find themselves outcasts.

As Christians we are challenged to stay focused on the bigger picture, or the end game. We are told by the Bible to keep track of all the little pieces that make up our lives and create the person we are. Essentially we can find a purpose and meaning to every event that makes up our lives. We are told to set our minds on things that are above or in Heaven. Things that are permanent and not temporal as things on earth are. We are told to seek the very kingdom of God and all that is righteous in His sight. Over the things the world offers that will rust and perish. With a focused life we are taught to live according to the spirit and not the flesh. For the Holy Spirit is where our very comfort and life sustaining energy comes from. We are reminded that we have been crucified with Christ, That it's not us but Christ who lives in each of us that is the most important thing to focus on. True we live now in the flesh and later when we enter paradise we will live in the spirit; but we can only journey onward as long as we stay focused on our faith that we have in the Son of God. In Jesus the Christ who gave himself for each of us. So that we can be reconciled with God our Creator and Father. Through all this we need to stay focused on what really matters. Not to be like the world which changes from one fad or sensation to the next. For our focus is on the very permanence of eternity.

What images are the many puzzle pieces of your life portraying? Are you making a puzzle that reflects the latest celebrity or marketing fad? Or are you following your friends in the world as they cheer on the latest "Australian Has Talent" contestant? Can others see Jesus at the centre of your life and as the most important reality; or are you creating an image of yourself and everything that you are proud of and have achieved? What legacy of memories will be left for family and friends? As they bid you farewell at your funeral, will they reminisce t your steadfast faith and your devotion to Jesus. Or will they talk about your favourite football team and how you never missed a game?

Stay focused on the only thing that matters, both now and for ever, Jesus the Christ. God's Son and your Salvation.

 

Prayer:

Lord,
In all the chaos and confusion,
Through all the changes in the world,
While people are screaming out clichés,
Please help me stay focused on you.

You are my one salvation,
My redeemer and true friend,
God's only begotten Son,
Who paid the price of death,
So that I may be reconciled,
With God my Father Creator.

Amen