All on the Field: A Good Soldier—Having Focus - Thursday
Hebrews 12:1b-2a
…let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (NLT)
Good aim helps us hit a target; it facilitates reaching our goals. And when it comes to life with Jesus, our attention is what aims our affection. Here are a few things I’ve observed in the lives of friends and mentors who focus well…
“Attend.” They turn their attention toward the object of focus. Their eyes. Their posture. Their entire being is zeroed in so they can hear well—demonstrating that God, a task, or my presence matters highly to them.
Invest time. People who do this really well don’t necessarily stretch out a conversation longer than it needs to be, but they’re also not in a hurry to wrap it up. There’s no indication they need to speed things up to be somewhere else.
Ask questions. I feel most welcomed by and comfortable with folks who do this really well. It’s also a great approach to spending time with God. Ask and wait for an answer. Ask three questions before making any kind of statement or drawing any conclusions.
Listen. Good active listening is an art that helps people like me, who aren’t the best conversationalists, to flesh out what we’re trying to say. Patient listening, giving someone time to fully express a thought or need, is helpful whether it’s in the workplace, home, or a quiet moment with Jesus.
Make eye contact. I was surprised to learn the latest cutting-edge training for selling to younger buyers: Never make eye contact—instead, look at a screen together to make a conversation feel more like shopping on the internet. Screens can enhance your life or work, but cannot replace meaningful connection. The eyes can communicate many things: value, attention, care, concern.
I thank God for the people in my life who model what it looks like to focus well. Whether it’s the person in front of you, your work life, your family, or the way you grow in your life with God… it all takes focus and attention.
Thursday’s Reflection
If you sense that this is a place God wants to help you grow, ask Him to help you give your attention fully to Him and to the people He’s placed in your life. Then let Him help you. He knows how to bring about maturity in our lives.
