The other day while watching a college basketball
game, I got up to go downstairs to get something to drink. On my way, I realized
I had not gone through the mail, so I stopped and did that. That triggered the
thought that I had an e-mail I had to write. I went and did that, then headed
downstairs. Unfortunately, by the time I got there, I forgot why I was there. I went back to couch, wondering why I was still thirsty.
I had lost my focus.
Today’s story, Acts 13:44-50, is about a man who
did not lose focus. Paul preached the Gospel in Antioch. God opened many
hearts, heard Paul’s words and believed.
There were others, however, who did not like Paul’s
message. “They stirred up persecution against Paul” and expelled Paul from the
region. Paul could have stayed and argued, trying to convince these people they
were wrong, but he did not. Paul realized his job was to preach; God would take
care of the results. Paul was not distracted from his mission, so he left and
went Iconium, where he continued to preach.
Paul kept his focus.
The Church has been under attack for 2000 years
and continues to be so today. Christians are in prison and many are dying for
their faith. TV shows belittle Christians and their values. Our government
passes laws that show no respect for God’s Laws.
We could get mad and fight these battles, but
really, they are a mere distraction.
Since Christ died for us, the Devil cannot get the
souls of Christians. Nonetheless, he uses hocus-pocus and slights of hand to
distract us so that we do not carry out God’s Will. Satan will do anything to
make us lose our focus.
I must admit I do get angry with some of the
things that are happening to our culture. However, I realize I must maintain my
focus and continue to pursue God’s Will. I have a role to bring others to Jesus
and I must not let my anger interfere with that.
I must keep my focus, and ignore the Devil's hocus-pocus.
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