As a man with a keenly honed ability to be distracted, I'm going to say something crazy. Over the past couple of months, I've been thinking a lot about the power of focus.
I haven't mastered it by any means, but when I have times of greater focus, I feel like I've tapped into some kind of secret superpower. The sad reality is that in our always-on, instant gratification, dopamine-driven world... focus is a superpower.
And it has the potential to help us become more faithful.
Jesus says in:
Luke 12:29-31
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. [30] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. [31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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1. What You Go Looking For, You Will Surely Find
Looking into the word "seek" (pun intended), it means to search for something with the intention of finding. It's not a casual, careless kind of looking. It means you care to the point of pouring your energy, time, and attention into the quest of finding what you're looking for.
When I think of it in these terms, I understand that what we seek in this life matters because we will find our life arranged around that quest.
2. Worldly Desires Lead Away From The Kingdom
What we pay attention to is what we will move towards. This means we are moving away from everything else. So, the more we seek food, drink, or clothing, the further we find ourselves moving away from The Kingdom of God.
For clarity, Jesus is NOT saying that faithfulness means we will be starving, dying of thirst, and going about naked. Our bodies need those things to live and He knows that. In fact, He assures us that those things will be added to our lives.
So what is He saying? Recognize and go after the true source of our life. It's not food and clothing.
Over history, the nations of this world have shown us what it looks like to seek after those things. The methods for producing and distributing MORE has increased exponentially to keep up with consumer demand, and there's no slowing down. At this rate, I predict we'll all be living in Amazon warehouses someday to get instant delivery...and it had better be free.
Looking at the world's example, what has seeking those things produced other than idolatry and an insatiable desire for MORE? The reality is that it hasn't led anywhere but an empty, lonely place, far away from the Kingdom of God.
3. Worldly Desires Lead Away From The Kingdom
If we treat the Kingdom of God like a distraction that interrupts living our best life, we're constantly going to be annoyed by the mere thought of... well, anything that has to do with living as a disciple.
Instead, make your life about the source of true life. Arrange your time, energy, and attention around seeking The Kingdom of God this week by:
- Praying for your family
- Calling a brother or sister that needs encouragement
- Reading a Bible chapter a day
- Grabbing coffee with a brother or sister
- Inviting a friend to worship
It won't be easy and it comes with a high price. But, if we train our hearts on a fixation to go looking for the Kingdom, we will surely find ourselves with a life overflowing with more peace, love, and joy. Plus, we'll have our bodily needs met with our soul intact.
