Focus in Faith

The Character of Focus 

By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister

There is one characteristic word that is like a theme that runs throughout the entire Bible,

both Old and New Testaments. And yet, that word is never used in the entire Bible. The word is

focus. I lead a Bible Study once a week at my church. At the end of class one night, a gentleman said to me, “I couldn’t concentrate because your glasses are tilted and all I could think about was straightening them out for you.” I know he meant to help with my appearance, but it said more about him than it did about me. His obsessive need for neatness distracted him from learning spiritual life lessons.

This pull of focus and distraction was present at the very beginning of history. Adam and Eve were put in a beautiful garden. In the garden was the Tree of Life and the Tree of Good and

Evil. Soon, the people were distracted so that they focused on the Tree of Good and Evil instead

of the Tree of Life. Then, distractions became the norm. The Israelites were distracted and

worshiped other gods. The disciples were too distracted to prevent Jesus from being taken to the cross. Today, even as we read this, we will be distracted from our major focus – Jesus Christ.

Christian focus involves deliberately directing one’s mind and heart towards God’s principles, promises, and purpose rather than becoming entangled in worldly fears or chaos. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to be “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Philippians 3:13-14 tells us to “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.” A focused life requires intentionally letting go of past failures or successes and putting all our energy and attention toward a singular divine objective – Jesus. We can use the words of a simple song to remind us: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the

things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Christian discipleship

is using the character of focus to draw close to our goal of being one with Christ Jesus.

The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in a Christian Faith Based setting
to encourage the Character Quality of Focus.

Focus Poster>>

Focus Prayer>>

Our other Pillars have resources that can be adapted for use in a Christian setting.

Visit Focus in the Community>>

Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)