And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32.
It was not quite a year ago, and if I remember right, it was early spring that I was sitting in my office when I glanced out the window to the tree that grows right beside the building I work in. When I did, something extremely yellow caught my attention. I looked again and sure enough, there it was, a small bird hopping from branch to branch.
I had never seen this type of bird before and it was fascinating and grabbed my full attention. Then my mind got distracted with something else and I went took for it again. However, this time, it took me a lot longer to find it, but after a few moments I found it again as it fluttered about from branch to branch. And again, I relished the beauty and pleasure of watching this stunningly little yellow bird. This happened to me a couple of more times as I caught myself torn between what needed to be done and the pleasure of watching this beautiful little creature.
The lesson I draw next may not be a perfect parallel to my little story but the Lord taught me a lesson that day as I found myself almost desperately looking for that beautiful little bird the second and third times. The thought came to mind that we need to be careful that we don't take our eyes off Christ, for when we do, and fall, it is not always easy to again get our eyes focused where they need to be.
So where is your focus today? There is so much going on this world today that clamors for our attention. So much is nothing but ugliness in man's inhumanity towards man. I do not need to list all the recent events for you to know what I'm speaking about. Even nature itself seems be turning out of its order with tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and exploding asteroids. There are even problems in the church that seemingly might cause division. Sometimes things are so ugly it's hard to look away. But, all these things should only point our eyes to Christ.
Christ also warned us that the cares of this life might distract us (Luke 21:34). Everyday there are things that need to be done and duties to be accomplished. These can be in our family life, at work or even in our church. These need to be done, however, if we are not focused on Christ we may mis-prioritize them and cause ourselves grief that we could have been spared. Sometimes situations may arise in such rapid succession that they catch us off guard and almost overwhelm us. It's during these times especially that we need to keep focused.
There is one more thing I want to mention that will sometimes draw our focus and attention away from Christ. While it's true there are many lukewarm Christians in the church that don't realize they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, there is also a group that realizes their failures, sin, faults, and poor character traits and these become their focus instead of Christ. They see the ugliness in themselves and can't seem to look away from themselves to Christ. But there is hope for not only them but also for the lukewarm.
So I ask you where is our focus these days? Is it on world events, crime, natural disasters, or even problems in the Church, or yourself? If it is, then instead let these things turn your eyes to Christ. Instead of looking upon the ugliness in this doomed world, look at the lovely Christ. Make Him the One you call altogether lovely (Song of Solomon 5:16). Make Him your focus and don't let Him out of your eye sight.
David said his heart longed for the Lord (Ps. 41:1). Paul said that he was determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). Christ speaking of Himself said if He was lifted up all men would be drawn to Him (John 12:32).
Has Christ brought you out of darkness and despair? Has He brought you hope and joy? If He has, then don't look away. Keep your eyes focused on Him. Make Him the one that you call “altogether lovely” (Song of Solomon 5:16) and then share Him with those around you. Brighten the corner where you are!
If you have lost your focus and know it, then turn this very hour to Christ. Fasten your eyes upon Him and learn of His love toward you. Read His Word every day and rejoice that there is yet time to learn why other people call Christ the One who is altogether lovely!
There are battles to be fought, victories to gain, and wars to be won. We are in the great controversy. Join us at The Remnant Online and let's encourage one another to keep our eyes focused on Christ.
