Focus on this One Thing
Minster Johnathan H. Blue
Philippians 3:7-9, 12-14 KJV:
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:7-9, 12-14 NLT:
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so I can gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Review:
Two months ago, we spoke from the thought: Focus. Focus. FOCUS. The passage from Hebrews 10 resonated with a resounding call for focus – not just any focus, but a laser-sharp, unwavering commitment to the promises of God. That scripture is a rallying cry to Believers to anchor their faith firmly in God’s unfailing promises and to live lives that reflect that profound trust. It’s a challenge to shift our focus away from doubt and uncertainty and instead fix our gaze firmly on the assurances provided by God’s faithfulness. This shift requires intentional effort and a keen focus on building up and encouraging one another in the faith. In essence, the passage painted a vivid picture of what it means to live a life of focused faith – a life centered on the unwavering trust in God’s promises, fueled by acts of love and service within the community of believers, and sustained by patient endurance in the face of trials. It was a call to action that demanded our full attention, wholehearted commitment, and unshakeable trust in God’s faithfulness.
Tonight, we take a deeper dive.
To be focused costs more than just time and effort – it requires the sacrifice of our comfort, our desires, and sometimes even our very lives. The passage from Philippians 3 paints a vivid picture of the actual cost of focus, illustrating the radical transformation that occurs when we shift our attention from worldly pursuits to the infinite value of knowing Christ.
- “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those trained this way.” Hebrews 12:11 NLT
The apostle Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, counted all his previous accomplishments as worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. He willingly suffered the loss of all things – his reputation, status, possessions – considering them mere garbage compared to the priceless treasure of intimacy with Jesus. This level of focus requires a complete reorientation of our priorities, a radical departure from the values and pursuits of the world.
- “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 NLT
Furthermore, proper focus demands self-denial and self-sacrifice. It means surrendering our righteousness and relying entirely on the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. It requires giving our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God’s purposes and His will. This level of commitment is not easy – it demands constant attentiveness, discipline, and a willingness to endure hardship and opposition.
- “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1 NLT
Moreover, procrastination is the exact opposite of focus. It squanders the precious time and opportunities God has given us, leading to worry and spiritual stagnation. Instead of delaying or putting off important tasks, we are called to seize each moment with purpose and intentionality, making the most of every opportunity to advance God’s kingdom and fulfill His purposes. Each day, actually be wise with the use of our time.
- “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. Remember, knowing what you should do and then not doing it is a sin.” James 4:14, 17 NLT
The question of life is not, How much time have we?–for each day each of us has the same amount: we have “all there is.” The question is, What shall we do with it? We cannot afford to lose a moment of usefulness, or the sum of our influence will be less than it might have been. Suppose each of us should resolve to-day that not a minute henceforward should ever be wasted. What energy there would be in our lives! What strength! What noble purpose! What grand results! What could we not accomplish as an association if no one of us ever lost time grieving, dreaming, regretting, experiencing harmful pleasures, or engaging in idle talk? Eternity is long: there will be time enough for dreams. But life is for work and patience.
- “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity these evil days have. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT
Ultimately, the cost of focus is worth it because the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. As we fix our eyes on Jesus and press on toward the goal, we can experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that come from living a life completely surrendered to God’s will. Let us, therefore, embrace the call to focus wholeheartedly on Christ, counting all else as loss for the sake of gaining Him and becoming one with Him.