FOCUS FACTOR

     How many times have we seen or read the advertisements for the myriad number of products that will improve our ability to concentrate and focus?  I imagine that millions of dollars are spent purchasing these products on an annual basis; therefore it would be logical to conclude that the ability to focus is of great concern to thousands of people.  We read in Matthew 14 of a fisherman, who just happened to be engaged in some miraculous water-walking, losing his focus.

"And when Peter came down out of the boat he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out saying, "Lord, save me!" 

     What happened to Peter?  He lost focus on the source of his power and strength.  Ever happen to you?  Not quite satisfied with the way things are going in life so you take control, only to find yourself treading water.  Or how about those times when hard times are battering us emotionally to the point that we are consumed by our focus on the hardship?  Contrast that with the times life is great because of all you have accomplished?  Is it coincidental that these times are often followed by events that bring life back into focus?  You see, as children of God we are to be totally focused on Him who created all.  Lose that focus and life tumbles in.  Focus on self and what self can achieve and life gets out of kilter.  Focus on hardship and we fail to look beyond to the lessons to be learned and strength to be gained through endurance.

     One of the names God uses in reference to himself is "Adonai," a relational term meaning Lord or Master.  It signifies one who is acknowledged to have complete and total control.  Great men of God such as Moses used this name in describing their relationship to God.  In our story of the sinking fisherman we see Peter cry out, "Lord, save me!"  Isn't that like most of us.  It is against our nature to acknowledge someone in complete control of our lives until life is out of control and we are helpless. 

     Look at Jesus' words to Peter as he calls him one of little faith.  Yes, little faith was enough faith for Peter to be saved; but imagine how great that walk on the Sea of Galilee would have been if he had exhibited great faith by never losing focus on just who was in control?  Imagine jet skiing the Sea of Galilee with no jet ski!  Cool!  Now just imagine life if we keep totally focused on God.  Imagine what a life committed to giving total control to Him would be like?  Imagine a life where we place God above personal relationships, personal rights, personal wealth, personal life.  Awesome!  Imagine life where we fail to do so . . . Take a look at Luke 14.

      Jesus tells all who would claim to be his disciple that it was impossible without placing Him above all else.  In today's world we tend to compartmentalize our lives.  There's family life, work life, social life, spiritual life . . . get the picture.  Then we prioritize these compartments.  In his book Life @ Work, John Maxwell challenges this line of thinking, "Consider a new set of priorities for life: God.  That's it.  There is no number two or number three or number four.  In living out a commitment to that priority, we must make Him an integrated part of everything we do - family self, work.  He becomes the center of the flow and source of alignment of all the parts of our lives.  Imagine that type of life.  Good times are even better.  Despairing times have eternal hope.  Trying times have a source of true strength.  Disappointing times have a sense of proper perspective. 

     May we truly mean and live the words, "Jesus Is Lord!"

-J. Watson

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