“The biggest battle we each might fight is to stay focused on God long enough to learn to abide in His presence. Before we can redeem the world, we must redeem our time. And we would think that with all the time-saving conveniences we have in life, that this would be easy but it is not.” – Francis Frangipane
“Jack of all trades, master of none” is a figure of speech used in reference to a person who has dabbled in many skills, rather than gaining expertise by focusing on one. Often it describes us today. We know how to do many things with average ability, but lack the skill to do any one thing unusually well. You can understand why that happens. Our calendars are so littered with appointments, activities, and obligations, we are usually rushed and behind and unable to focus. We are running, shaky and out-of-breath, and we are ready to collapse.
But how do we pivot? How do we begin to live a focused life? A Christ-centered life begins with realizing that the source of everything we are is the Lord. He created us, He owns us, He gifted us with talents, He authors our story, and every blessing that we receive comes from Him: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” (James 1:17)
If we want a focused life we need to seek Him first. Spend time in the Scriptures. Pour out your heart to God in prayer. Listen for His voice. He will lead you. And as He does, trust Him. Trust Him to fulfill His plan for your life. As we seek God, He will show us where to focus our time, energy, talents, and treasures. When we focus on God, His impact on your world is going to increase. His transformation in you is going to increase. You will transform the world through acts of love and you will be continually transformed on the inside to become more like Him.
“God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. I pray that you and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is. I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:16-21 CEV)
Will we trust Him in the unseen, unknown, small places? Will we walk obediently — focused on Him? Seeking Him? Trusting Him with the results? What’s holding us back?
Discussion Questions:
- How can your relationship with Christ become more intimate and personal?
- What can we do this week to be more focused on God?