Keeping in Step

The secret of walking in step with Jesus is your focus.  Jesus spoke of the "love of the world" as a distraction.  He spoke of "mammon" and we limit this to money.  Fewer people love money as such than those who love what money can buy.  There are many who cannot buy even bare necessities but still love the "world".  Being poor does not change your focus, nor does being rich.  Only love for God can change your focus.  Jesus asked Peter, "do you love Me more than these?"  It was a lifestyle that Jesus was holding out to Peter, not just a fish.  Love for a career, for success, for recognition and appreciation can be as compelling as any love.  Many a marriage has suffered because work and the love for advancement has come between a man and his wife and family.  I have seen ministry cause marital problems because the ministry became more important than the family or even a relationship with God.  When focus slips away from your love for God and fastens to anything in this realm, it becomes idolatry.

I watched my grandson drive (he teaches driving!) and he may take a hand off the steering wheel (not like my "deathgrip"!) and pick up something, but his eyes are on the road.  He says you will go where you are looking!  Jesus said to put your hand to the plow and don't look back.  We sometimes sing a little song with the children, "be careful little eyes what you see".  Our focus is very important no matter what we do.  A singleminded focus is the reason for success.  Strangely enough, if your love for God is total, He will give you the ministry, the success, the happiness in all areas of your life.  Matthew 6:33 (NASB) ³³ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  In the margin of my Bible, I have written, "this first before 7:7."  Matthew 7:7 (NASB)  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  Seeking Him first and putting His will before your own, is the key to having your focus on Him.  It will change what you desire, what you are asking and seeking.  It will reveal the door on which to knock.