Focus on the Right Things

What do we focus upon in life? Living in a distracted world tends to cause individuals to divert their attention from one issue to the next without really giving proper attention to things that are wise or profitable. Positions often crowd out what is truth and people flit from one cause to another. Without carefully processing and evaluating existing evidence, realities, and consequences, people too often focus upon things that that distract them from living a meaningful and just life. The focus is shrouded in the haze of prejudice, presumption, and personal desires that are often influenced by life as we want it or bitterness that has jaded us. To counter such perspectives the Apostle Paul challenges the church at Philippi to, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT). In another letter he challenges the church of Colossae to, “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians3:1-2 NLT). In both admonitions Paul is addressing people to focus on the right things to derive the right outcome. He wants them to think differently from the way the world around them processes life.

     There is a 6-year-old girl that lived this way named Ruby Bridges. Her life was epitomized by thinking differently from the world around her. She “set her mind on things above and not on earthly things.” There is a painting that captured her spirit done by Norman Rockwell in 1964 entitled “The Problem We All Live With.” The painting shows the little girl being escorted by federal marshals each day into the Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Ruby had been assigned to that school on November 14, 1960, when the federal courts ordered the desegregation of the public school in that city. The picture shows this petite black girl, surrounded by federal marshals, walking with her eyes focused straight ahead. Behind her on the school wall were racist words and remnants of tomatoes thrown at her. Each day she walked past angry protesters that shouted at her, shook angry fists, and threatened to kill her. Eventually she was the only child to attend her class that year as every other classmate stayed away.

     Later in 1960s Dr. Robert Coles, a psychiatrist, and Harvard Medical School professor, decided to study effects of stress in Ruby Bridges. He interviewed Ruby, her parents, and teachers. He was amazed to find no signs of stress in the little girl. In one interview, Ruby’s teacher indicated that Ruby appeared to be talking to the protestors each day as she passed through the mob as she entered and exited the school. Dr. Coles asked Ruby what she was saying.  She told him she was praying for them. Dr. Cole found out that Ruby’s family prayed together every night for the demonstrators. She had picked up from her pastor that when Jesus suffered, he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” So, she prayed that prayer every day for those who shouted at her. Ruby’s focus and faith so touched Dr. Coles that he could not get her out of his mind, and he began his journey to personal faith in Jesus Christ. This story was retold 38 years later on an ABC special movie in 1998.

     A proper focus may not change our circumstances, but it changes the way we view the circumstances. The biblical record constantly records people who stayed properly focused upon “things above, not on earthly things” and were able to view life without fear, bitterness, or retaliation -- even displaying love for others that may not have deserved such compassion. David focused upon God who was enabling him, not the giant, Goliath, that threatened him (1 Samuel 17:44-46). Daniel focused not upon the injustice he endured or the lions he faced but upon God who shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6). Stephen did not focus upon those who were stoning him to death but upon the glory of God who was with him (Acts 7:55-56) -- even praying for his murders (7:60). Paul and Silas did not focus upon the injustices they faced, or the beating they endured, or even the prison where they were held. They focused upon the Lord as they issued praises and prayers to God (Act 16:25). Staying focused upon the right things generates endurance and squelches distractions.

     In these days of multiple distractions, focus upon what matters most. There are concerns and crises that could consume us and cause us to worry and fret. Allow the blinders of faith in God’s person, power, and promises to keep your eyes fixed on Him. The wisest of all men, Solomon, advised his son, “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil” (Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT). Ancient advice from the past that is certainly appropriate for our day!