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Forever minded?
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions — is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)
Focus on the Lord!
How to avoid all faithlessness and sinful thinking? Well, you can focus on living a holy life. God has given you a deep ability. This ability is among the greatest and is found in the greatest achievers both in the religious and in the secular world. Its called focus.
Learn to focus on the Lord everyday and every moment of your life. Keep your vision in sight and let it be for the glory of God.
Philippians 3:12-14 says, Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
You can’t get clamped down by your past if you need to make good progress in the Kingdom of God. You need to look ahead to the call that Christ Jesus has given you. Leaving all wasteful things behind.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Never think you are the only person who have ever been called to succeed in the Lord’s way. A great many people have made it to the Lord’s side and now glorify God in heaven surrounded by his holy angels. Take courage dear faithful of the God when you think you’re alone and remind yourself that you are surrounded by a great number of witnesses.
Lets remember the 10th chapter of the gospel of Luke; As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
The scripture I’ve just mentioned are not an excuse to avoid housework. Housework is always a good thing to do. However, we need to have our priorities right as well. Jesus gave us a great tip about priorities when he said that Mary chose the good portion. Martha was much worried about the housework while Mary her sister directly came to listen to the Lord. Honoring God is even higher than even your earthly duties. Never let your earthly duties be considered higher than your duties towards God.
To focus better on the Lord Jesus Christ, lets consider the following and use them:
Read the scriptures to learn and stay strong. Romans 15:4 says, For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Proverbs 3:1-35 says, My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Be alert always and pray. Luke 21:36 says, “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man”
Expect the return of Christ any moment. Matthew 24:44 says, therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Note: I can say awaiting the return of our glorious Lord Jesus is an important sign of faith and it keeps you focused. Not expecting him to return is just living a lie. 2 Peter 3:3-4 says, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Renew your mind so that you discern the will of God. Romans 12:2 says, do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Ask God for his strength. When you are strong spiritually you’d find yourself much better focused! Always say, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
All this will help you keep focused when you put them to thought and action. So to summarize the above for you:
Focus on the Lord so that you’re holy and glorify him. Keep your thoughts and priorities in check. Many others before you have been victorious in the Lord, so get inspired by their example. To be well focused, read the scriptures to learn and stay strong. Be alert always and pray. Expect the return of Christ any moment. Renew your mind so that you discern the will of God and finally ask God for his strength.
Disciples of hope 