Focused on the Goal

Philippians 3:12

“Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on that I may lay hold of what that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”

The Message ( Philippians 3:12-13)

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way; reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong; by no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward, to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”

I am becoming more and more convinced that focus is the key to everything. With an ugly or distorted focus I end up in a funk. With a spiritual and positive focus I end up with power and more love. With no focus at all I end up purpose-less and empty. With focus on things, I end up greedy and craving more…or frustrated and feeling I don’t have enough.

In life and in spiritual matters, focus is everything.

The square to the right calls your eyes to the center. And, though there is plenty of peripheral, the main thing your eyes center on is that middle circle. In life, the peripheral problems and distractions will always be with us. In the process of living, the main thing we must learn to center on is the core of what life is really all about…our relationship with God…. IN and THROUGH all things.

All of life is spiritual, so it is important that my daily focus be on Christ and that my goal be to press on to that “calling” or “beckoning” upward that can be found in each little daily movement of the Spirit within me. Each situation from large to small has a nugget of spiritual growth in it. Each opportunity to follow Jesus in any particular area, changes me WHEN and IF I say “Yes” Lord.

I like how the Message begins this verse…”I’m not saying I have it all together…”

Well, I’m just saying, Yep!, don’t have it all together. I am an ordained minister, on a pastoral staff at a wonderful church, lead women’s functions and ministries. I even have the privilege to write books, blogs and speak…but I don’t do it because I have it all together.

Truth is, I don’t even come close to having it together.  But, I am convinced of one thing…Christ in me is always wooing me to Himself. He is ever calling me to learn, stretch and grow. He is saying…walk this way…no, honey THIS way… not that way. I grapple for His light and advice in the daily things, and am thankful that He paid for my freedom and covers me with His love.

And, I am an expert at some things. Things that don’t give me credentials. Things like insecurity, fear and making dumb mistakes. It is these very things that keep me knowing I must stay focused on the goal, eye on the prize, ever depending on the life of Christ and the power the risen Lord….

How about you? Expert? Have it together?

I’m just saying….focus…focus…focus….life was meant to be LIVED UP, under the power, promise and provision of Christ…NOT…LIVED UNDER, buried in self, problems and lack of possibilities.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Don’t forget to remember those who serve our country.

Living Up One day at A Time,

Debbie