Concentration is the control of our attention.
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
Concentration is the control of our attention. It means we can focus on one thing and not be distracted by other things. The ability of the human eye to focus on one subject is a marvel. The Bible says, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on the Lord.” There’s a story I remember hearing years ago about a gate keeper. One day while working the gate, a gentleman approached the gatekeeper and asked, “What are you looking for?” The man informed him that he was looking for wicked people. The gatekeeper said, “You will find them here.” Later another man approached the gatekeeper, and the gatekeeper asked the same question, “What are you looking for here?” The man said, “I am looking for good people.” The gatekeeper said, “You will find them here.” Each person was going to find what they were focused on and looking for.
I almost had an accident when I was first learning to drive. My eyes got focused on something to the right of the road, and the truck begin to go that direction. My focus was tied to my direction. The Bible says, “Set your thoughts on things above.” Many times in sports or in life we are told, “You need to focus here.” What those individuals are encouraging us to do is get our mind and our hearts set on what’s important before us. I believe our lives are governed by what we focus on. What we tolerate will eventually dominate.
There’s a saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This simply means that what one person considers beautiful may not be beautiful to another person. It really speaks of what we value and amplify in our personal lives. Martha and Mary had Jesus coming to their house to teach. Mary was sitting at Jesus feet listening to the Words that he was speaking. Martha was frantically serving and trying to keep the house clean for all the people that were there. She grew angry at her sister because Mary was not helping. Martha went to Jesus with her complaint and actually said to him, “Don’t you care that my sister is not helping me?” Jesus said, “Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Mary understood something that day. Jesus was only going to be in their house this one time, and the dishes would still be there tomorrow. Her focus was on Jesus and His words and not on the mess that the house may have been in. She knew that she had lots of time to clean the house but this was the only time she would get to hear Jesus teach right in front of her.
This lesson is so important to all of us. We can be distracted like Martha or seize the moment and listening intently to Jesus as Mary did. Focus is very important to our spiritual growth and our spiritual health. What I focus on, I will gravitate to, and what I gravitate to will end up controlling my life.
Always remember, “God keeps those in perfect peace, whose minds are set on Him.”
