Stay focused on Christ
Romans 13:11-14(MSG) But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
What can we do to stay focused on Christ?
- Don’t be oblivious to God
The term ‘oblivious’ means to be unaware or forgetful of one’s surroundings, circumstances, or events. When someone is oblivious, they are not paying attention to what is happening around them and are unaware of what is happening.
To avoid being oblivious to God, cultivate a daily habit of prayer and reading the Bible. This will help you stay connected to God and deepen your understanding of His will for your life. We can become more attuned to His presence daily by focusing on God.
Colossians 4:2(NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Psalm 1:1-2(AMP) Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.
- Be up and awake to what God is doing
Being aware of what God is doing, requires us to remain open to His leading and to seek His presence in every aspect of our lives. So, what is God doing? God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work He began when we first believed. The good work that God has begun in us, He will complete.
Philippians 1:6(AMP) I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].
This verse encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. It reminds us that our salvation depends not on our efforts or abilities, but on God’s grace and power working in us. As we face trials and struggles, we can draw strength and comfort from knowing that God is actively working in our lives, bringing about His good purposes. We can also be encouraged to continue to grow in our faith and in our relationship with God, knowing that He is committed to completing the work He has begun in us.
- Don’t waste time. Focus on what God wants to do in your life
Our time on earth is limited, and we should use it wisely, pursuing the things that matter most to God. We are called to be diligent in our work, to seek God’s will for our lives, and to avoid being distracted by meaningless pursuits. By staying focused on God’s purposes and using our time wisely, we can make a meaningful impact for His Kingdom and live a life that honours Him.
Ephesians 5:15-17(NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. This passage urges us to use our time wisely and to discern God’s will for our lives, so that we can make the most of every opportunity.
- Dress yourself in Christ
Romans 13:14(NLT) Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
To ‘dress yourself in Christ’ means to live in a way that reflects the character and values of Jesus Christ. Just as we put on clothes to cover our bodies and protect us, we are to ‘put on’ Christ as a covering that protects us from the harmful influences of the world and helps us live a pleasing life to God.
As we understand who Christ is, and what He has done for us, we can reflect His character more fully in our daily lives.
- Be up and about
‘Up and about’ means to be active and moving around. It can also imply a sense of alertness and readiness to engage in activities or tasks.
To be ‘up and about for Jesus Christ’ means to be active and engaged in serving Him and sharing His love with others. By staying connected to God, looking for opportunities to serve, sharing your faith, and living a life of love, you can be ‘up and about for Jesus Christ’ and positively impact the world around you.
1 Corinthians 15:58(NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
I conclude with, let’s stay focused on God. Hebrews 12:1-2(NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.