Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Think Seriously -- Focus Your Life . . .


"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 NKJ)

What would you do if your doctor said, "you have six months, maybe a year to live"? Or if you had a near death experience, would you begin to live your life differently? How would you focus your life?

A colleague and friend relates the following story. "As I lay in the hospital bed, everything seemed to get dim for a second and I had the sense of leaving my body. Then everything in the room glowed with light. It wasn't like a spotlight focused on me or anything. Instead the whole room illuminated spectacularly. And a team of nurses and doctors appeared at the door. The Charge Nurse called my name and asked: 'is everything alright?' I responded affirmatively and she said, 'Your heart stopped for five seconds.' Then I replied, 'Well, the Lord told it to start again.' "

With a little more reflection, my friend concluded that the Lord had more for him to do. This "more-to-do" perspective helps him focus his priorities. It motivates his spirit in the midst of discouragement or overwhelming human weakness.

Think about this: there is still more ahead for me to achieve. I have not fully taken hold of the purpose for which Christ called me. So what to do? Focus. Focus my past, both successes and failures. Focus my present with a constant view to the future. Focus my energies on my purpose, goal and mission.

Dear Father, thank you for giving me a purpose and a mission. Empower me with your higher call in Christ Jesus. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

The race is exhilarating, but destination and reward are motivators.

No comments: