Focus: The Power of Spiritual Attention and Purpose

What we focus on becomes the controlling power in our life; our actions resembling what we think (Mt 15:19). The Bible states we will be transformed as our minds are renewed by thinking about good God-honoring things (Rom 8:5-8, 12:2; Phil 4:8; Col 3:1,2). Keep your attitude, actions, anticipation, and words focused on God rather than yourself and circumstances. Don't let the obstacles or 'giants' turn your faith into unbelief and rob you of the inheritance God has for you, as was the case with ten of the twelve spies who checked out the Promised Land—they gave power to what was against them rather than acknowledging who was for them (Num 13:27-33). Maintain a positive mental attitude with a right viewpoint—'Greater is He [Christ] that is in us than he [Satan] that is in the world coming against us' (1 Jn 4:4). However, do not totally overlook or ignore the negative; rather, make a valid judgment of the facts, keeping them in perspective without being swayed by opinions and what comes against us, for with God's help we are well able to achieve (Num 14:6-9).

Mk 12:30; 2 Cor 11:3). When our eyes are off Christ and the victory He died to provide for us, difficulties appear bigger and unconquerable. Peter walked on the water when he had his eyes on, and faith in Jesus, but started to sink when he gave his attention to the waves and conditions around (Mt 14:25-31). Many will turn from the faith as their fervor and focus for God is scattered and reduced by other interests (Mt 13:22, 24:10).

Problems and difficulties are a part of life—they should make us better as in dependency we face them with Jesus, while facing them alone, we may become overwhelmed, bitter, and disillusioned.

Understand what God's will is for your life; let nothing hinder you from doing it. Motivation and determination are necessary to guard our heart (spiritual command center) and to keep focused on the goal as we fix our eyes on Jesus in devotion and obedience (Ps 141:8; Prov 4:23; Heb 3:1, 12:1,2). This will involve denying self, taking up our cross, and following Christ (Lk 9:23,24).

As we  prioritise being focused on God's Kingdom, our real needs will be met and the less important things will drop away (Mt 6:33). If we are too focused on our disappointments and problems, we fail to recognize Jesus and everything will soon get out of focus. Busyness and too many undertakings can be a hindrance. Clarify your calling and goals, then set priorities and give these concentrated attention so you can effectively achieve in a few areas.

Whatever we allow to become the focus of our thoughts, guides our actions—so when believers and church fellowships are in unity, focusing as a group on serving the Lord and reaching the lost, God blesses and they stay spiritually sharp. In contrast, through self-centeredness, criticism, and continually adopting 'what worked elsewhere' methods, Satan gains the advantage with the individuals and church becoming fragmented, spiritually blunt, and ineffective.

We become like what we are committed to or worship. Our character is either molded into His image or takes on the qualities of whatever idol takes His rightful place (Ps 115:8, 135:15-18).

Guard your heart as the wellspring of life

The heart is the spiritual command center of our being, the source from which our words, actions, and decisions flow (Prov 4:23). To maintain proper focus, we must diligently guard our hearts against distractions, negative influences, and self-centered desires. This requires intentional spiritual disciplines—regular time in God's Word, prayerful communion with the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with other believers who encourage us in our walk with Christ. As we protect our inner life, our outward actions will naturally align with God's purposes. The enemy often attacks through subtle distractions rather than direct confrontation, gradually drawing our attention away from eternal things to temporal concerns. By establishing spiritual boundaries and accountability, we create a protected space where our focus on Christ can flourish.

Press forward toward the heavenly goal

Paul's example challenges us to adopt a forward-looking perspective: 'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me' (Phil 3:12). Spiritual focus requires both looking back with gratitude for what God has done and looking forward with anticipation for what He will do. We must avoid the trap of living in past victories or failures, instead directing our energy toward the specific calling and purpose God has placed before us today. This forward momentum involves setting spiritual goals, measuring progress, and adjusting our course as needed while keeping our ultimate destination in view. Like an athlete in training, the focused believer develops discipline, endurance, and single-minded dedication to the race set before them (Heb 12:1-2).

rather than being preoccupied with the various predictions and conspiracies of what may take place. Many things are not our concern nor do we have the power to bring them about, and so should not be unduly occupied with them. But we must be actively doing what is our duty (and for which we are accountable to God)—loving God, living righteously, and sharing Jesus with those presently outside His Kingdom.

Reflection and Application:

• Consider where your focus has been recently—on God’s promises or on life’s challenges? Reflect on how this has impacted your peace and faith.
• Identify one distraction or “idol” that may be drawing your attention away from Christ. What practical step can you take to re-center your heart on Him?
• Write down one spiritual goal you can press toward this week, using Paul’s example of disciplined focus and perseverance.
• How can you actively guard your heart through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship to maintain spiritual clarity and purpose?

See also: attention, goal, perspective, priority, self-fulfilling prophesy, thinking/thoughts, worship.