Adjusting My Focus to Receive His Perspective
As of late late, I have noticed how easy it is to get distracted from my core purposes. Legitimately I realize that I have obligations, areas of concern and responsibility that necessitate my focus. However, there are times when I am spending time with the Holy Spirit where I realize there is a misalignment with my core purposes. There are several areas in particular that don't scream for my attention; they wait patiently. There are difficult times where pressures and distractions abound, but through this we can run the risk of neglecting some deeper truths and their applications. Perhaps as you read this you may feel the same way and allow for some adjustment.
Seeking the Kingdom First:
Luke 12:31
"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." KJV
I often feel it's the human condition to stray in this area. Many of us reach a level of maturity in Christ where we have "laid down our lives before him." The issue of the lordship of Christ has been firmly established and Christ is the true foundation for our lives. However, during the daily battles to oversee our businesses, maintain profitability, stay on top of our schedule, balance family and church activities, there can come an emptiness that surrounds us. It's at those times I find myself lifting each part of my life to the Lord and asking, "God is this area glorifying you and am I seeking your Kingdom first?" At first glance, it may seem that all of the areas of your life are consecrated to God under the larger umbrella of "doing his will." But I would challenge you that in breaking down each area and holding it up to Christ for his alignment, you will find something amazing happen.
For instance I have recently been challenged in the area of closing several longstanding business centers. Through it, I have fervently prayed for direction and prosperity. I have tried to use the challenges to work deeper character into my life, and quite honestly some of the pain has caused me to seek deeper levels of humility and compassion. So throughout all of this time I have not really questioned whether I am seeking the Kingdom first. But as I take time with the Holy Spirit, I realize so much of my battle has been inward focused, and through His gentle touch I begin to see others around me. It wasn't until I raised this area of my life to Christ and asked "Lord, help me to seek your Kingdom first here" that immediately Christ's burden for souls and the realization of my self-focus came into view. I honestly wasn't aware of Christ's desire to use me to pray for, encourage, and council so many around me until I got in touch with His heart. I would encourage you to take each area of your life individually before the Lord and ask "Lord, help me to seek your kingdom first in this area" and I promise you will be amazed at the realignment that can take place.
Righteousness, Peace, and Joy:
Rom 14:17
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." NKJV
Having small children in our home gives me a constant source of immediate feedback in many areas of my life. I try to keep a real balance and health in my home where the pressures of work and ministry are left at the door. But lately, I have failed miserable on many occasions. Seeing my sons recognize and respond to my internal weather has challenged me. Inevitably, as I look at the deeper issue, I have come to this point: "Can I continually walk in the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Kingdom regardless of the situations confronting me?" The simple answer is yes. Periods of stretching in our lives lead us to reexamine vital aspects of the Kingdom. The promise of continued peace and joy is not a lofty ideal but a very real, grace-filled state of being that is available to us all. As Kingdom ambassadors we need to display the "culture of our Kingdom" so that it is evident to all around us that we walk in a peace and joy that is not affected by the external. I promise you it is available to us, and we can walk in it.