I was on a mission. I knew what I was looking for and I was intently focused on the object of my attention.
To be more specific I was searching for the object of my affection.
Mounted upon my trusty steed I was moving at a speed in keeping with my exploratory expedition. Knowing I was nearing the habitation of that for which I was searching, I endeavored to ensure my gaze was intent upon the discovery I was hoping for.
Unbeknownst to me, an unforeseen foe was lurking outside the parameters of my rapt attention. To my utter and complete surprise I would soon discover the limitation and danger involved with being negligent in my willingness to be aware of the potential dangers that surrounded me.
My journey would end in complete failure. I managed to escape with no lasting injuries. The only real damage was done to my fragile ego – wounded, but not broken.
So what was my quest? What was that for which I was searching?
Well, it was 1970. I was 8 years of age, and I was on the lookout for someone very special to me at the time – Peggy Bailey. She lived down the street from me. She was in my class at school and she had caught my eye, and my heart.
My plan?
Well, I would ride down the street to her house on my 3-speed banana seat bike. Then, when at the point where she could see me passing by on the street I would impress her beyond belief by riding with no hands. That would surely catch her attention and secure a special place for me in her heart.
My plan was proceeding perfectly. Everything was going just as I had envisioned… except for the parked car. I was so intently focused on Peggy’s house that I neglected to look at the path I was on. Sadly, and painfully for me, my path would lead me directly into the bumper of a rock solid, heavily chromed, late 60’s “boat” of a vehicle.
Just as I took my hands off the handle bars to execute the last component of my plan, I slammed into the car. I flew off my bike onto the hood, then rolled off onto the street. I didn’t bother to look back and see if Peggy had indeed been watching me out her window. I grabbed my bike, hopped on and rode home to lick my wounds.
Even though this is a silly childhood story I think it contains a lesson for all of us.
We can choose what we focus on. We can choose that which receives our time and attention.
I was on a prayer walk with a good friend of mine recently and we were talking about how easy it is to focus on the things of this world and miss that which is really important. We are meant to be in this world, but not of it. Our minds are meant to be set on things above – on eternal things.
When we focus on the things of this world we will hit obstacles that keep us from getting hold of all that Jesus has for us. We will miss the Kingdom of God in us and through us if we don’t chose to partner with the Lord in His will in our lives. We’ve got to realize that the tide set against us is a propensity to desire the things of this world.
We must ardently seek God’s heart for us and for others through us. So how do we do that? Time, time time: time with Him, time with His word, time with His people, time serving others.
Our focus needs to be on God’s Kingdom, His will, His heart, His government on earth as it is in heaven. When we focus on Him and His Truth we avoid the pitfalls of the enemy – those parked cars that stop our forward progress.
So what are you focusing on? What are you looking at?
Let’s ask the Lord to help us focus on that which is unseen – that which is eternal. Let’s ensure we’re looking at Him.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
John 12:25
“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”