As Christians we are to shine as lights in the world (Matthew 5:15-16), which means that we are to be visibly different form the world; yet many Christians blend into the world without even realizing it. The Bible warns us about getting wrapped up in the ways of the world and it also gives us gudelines on how to maintain our focus on God.
One thing the Bible tells us is not to lose our focus by worrying. In Matthew 6:26-34 Jesus says that we can't add a cubit to our height by worrying, thus it's pointless. Also Jesus compares us to the birds saying how our Father in heaven sees that they are feed; He also compared us to the flowers and grass of the field how they grow, and are clothed. He tells us that just as the Father cares for them He will care for us, because are we not worth more than they? Jesus tells us in verse 31-33, " Do not worry saying, 'What will we eat?' or ' What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' For the idolaters eagerly seek these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek fisrt the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." Jesus instructs us not to worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear, because the Father knows that we need these things; He tells us instead to seek God and put Him first and these things will take care of themselves, (well God will take care of it, but you know what I mean :))
We are also told not to lose our focus by loving the world. In 1 John 2:15-17 we are told, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in Him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." This passage is warning us not to get lured in by the things of this world because it is passing away. The lust of the flesh and eyes include more than just sensual lust, it also includes the pride of life; which is anything from wanting the biggest house or most expensive car on the block, or taking pride in your paycheck or the degree that you have. Now none of these things in and of themselves are bad, it's just that they have a tendency to take over the number one position in peoples life, dethroning the One that should hold the top spot. (Side note the pride of life is so strong that Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:17 "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.") Wealth and possessions can easily become an idol in our life, (i.e. notice how a new flatscreen or ipad takes away your quiet time with God), thats why we are told to not love the world, and James even goes further telling us to not even be friends with the world, "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4.
We are warned not to allow idols in our life, (such as worry, and love of the world and the things therein), so our God won't be unseated from the top spot in our life, which He wants and deserves. We must reevaluate how we feel about all the things in our life, from the biggest to the smallest to make sure that nothing but God has a hold over us. Ask yourself what you feel you can't live without, what takes up all of your time, what you sacrifice time, money, and energy on, what truly comes first before everything; if the answer to these questions is not God then you are out of focus. It's time that we make sure that our entire focus is on God and His ways; so ask yourself today, "where is my focus?"
-Alexandra
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