Story - Stay Focused
Story - Stay Focused
General Bradford was definitely an unusual general. He was known far and wide for both his infinite patience and love as well as for His justice and wrath. His soldiers loved him dearly—and for good cause. His orders were always good, and he personally found a way to care for each of the soldiers who volunteered for his little band.
Michael had recently joined the general’s band, and was now quite anxious to prove himself a good soldier. His first task was to learn to march.
“The key to marching is to stay focused and to listen for my commands constantly,” the general explained. “See that distant horizon? Fasten your eyes fifteen degrees above the horizon line. Don’t let them wander to the circumstances or people around you. Keep your eyes focused above the horizon, and your ears tuned to my voice. You’ll find that many, many things will try to distract you.”
Michael couldn’t imagine anything distracting him from the horizon or the general’s voice. He’d soon find out, however, just how easily he could get distracted.
The first time Michael actually had the opportunity to march, he lifted his knees up nearly to his chest each step in an effort to look like a good marcher. He desperately wanted to do a good job to please the general!
The general shook his head and gently admonished the young private, “Don’t let your desire to show off distract you. True marching isn’t about lifting those knees in show; it’s about putting one step in front of the other in sync with my commands.”
Michael hung his head. He had allowed the thought of what others would think to distract him from really doing his job.
Michael tried again, this time not worrying about how he looked. Yet he had such a hard time keeping his eyes above the horizon! His eyes seemed to constantly wander to the things or people around him. Then he’d catch sight of the general and remember his command to look above the horizon. Would he ever learn?
“George,” Michael called reprovingly, “your step is a little fast, and wipe the grin off your face. And Scott, loosen up your arms and let them swing a little more natural and—”
“I said flight halt!”
Only after walking several paces in front of the rest of the troop did Michael finally hear the command. He didn’t think he could ever forget the general’s reproof, “Cadet, fall back in line. Keep your own eyes and ears attentive and let me take care of the others.”
Michael stepped back in line. He was beginning to realize that keeping focused would be a moment-by-moment battle. It was SO easy to get distracted!
+++
What was true for the young soldier Michael is also true for each one of us! We are told repeatedly this world offers nothing but distractions for the people of God.
How many times have we read through the Old Testament and gasp at how easily the Children of Israel were led astray. They would turn to false gods or alliances with the pagan nations around them, all the while ignoring both the commands and promises of God.
They were witnesses to the most amazing miracles, but even with this first hand witness of God’s faithfulness to them, they would turn away in distraction.
As God’s people in this world today, what are we told? What are the words of wisdom shared in Scripture for us?
Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4
The Apostle Paul urges us to keep focused on what is most important. To now allow ourselves to be distracted by the things on the earth. What are the things which so easily distract us and lead us to turn away from our faithful walk in Christ? The list could be endless! Sex. Money. Possessions. Power. Prestige. Position.
We look at the world around us and become consumed by what we see, all the while losing focus on what is most important. Paul urges us to remain focused on what is above! The things of God.
Put it in perspective! How many of us, as we have grown older, have shifted our focus from blowing and going to scrimping and saving for retirement? We watch over our retirement account like a hawk, while never giving a second thought to where we are going to live beyond life in this world.
Again, put it in perspective. We will make it maybe 20 years in retirement. Move live a much shorter time after they retire and yes, there are the exceptions who live much longer. But you get the idea! We are focused on a few decades in this world while losing sight of the fact that we are going to live “FOREVER” in the presence of God.
The words of General Bradford would be good for us to take to heart. Keep looking above the horizon. That is where we are going and we cannot let anything distract us.
The world and the devil will work every angle to distract us. We must stay focused and in the day grind of life never allow anything to become more important than knowing God will be faithful to us and He will lead us home.
Here are your marching order! Don’t march for show but for the long haul. One foot in front of the other and now the victory is assured!
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
Blessings on your week,
Pastor Russ
General Bradford was definitely an unusual general. He was known far and wide for both his infinite patience and love as well as for His justice and wrath. His soldiers loved him dearly—and for good cause. His orders were always good, and he personally found a way to care for each of the soldiers who volunteered for his little band.
Michael had recently joined the general’s band, and was now quite anxious to prove himself a good soldier. His first task was to learn to march.
“The key to marching is to stay focused and to listen for my commands constantly,” the general explained. “See that distant horizon? Fasten your eyes fifteen degrees above the horizon line. Don’t let them wander to the circumstances or people around you. Keep your eyes focused above the horizon, and your ears tuned to my voice. You’ll find that many, many things will try to distract you.”
Michael couldn’t imagine anything distracting him from the horizon or the general’s voice. He’d soon find out, however, just how easily he could get distracted.
The first time Michael actually had the opportunity to march, he lifted his knees up nearly to his chest each step in an effort to look like a good marcher. He desperately wanted to do a good job to please the general!
The general shook his head and gently admonished the young private, “Don’t let your desire to show off distract you. True marching isn’t about lifting those knees in show; it’s about putting one step in front of the other in sync with my commands.”
Michael hung his head. He had allowed the thought of what others would think to distract him from really doing his job.
Michael tried again, this time not worrying about how he looked. Yet he had such a hard time keeping his eyes above the horizon! His eyes seemed to constantly wander to the things or people around him. Then he’d catch sight of the general and remember his command to look above the horizon. Would he ever learn?
“George,” Michael called reprovingly, “your step is a little fast, and wipe the grin off your face. And Scott, loosen up your arms and let them swing a little more natural and—”
“I said flight halt!”
Only after walking several paces in front of the rest of the troop did Michael finally hear the command. He didn’t think he could ever forget the general’s reproof, “Cadet, fall back in line. Keep your own eyes and ears attentive and let me take care of the others.”
Michael stepped back in line. He was beginning to realize that keeping focused would be a moment-by-moment battle. It was SO easy to get distracted!
+++
What was true for the young soldier Michael is also true for each one of us! We are told repeatedly this world offers nothing but distractions for the people of God.
How many times have we read through the Old Testament and gasp at how easily the Children of Israel were led astray. They would turn to false gods or alliances with the pagan nations around them, all the while ignoring both the commands and promises of God.
They were witnesses to the most amazing miracles, but even with this first hand witness of God’s faithfulness to them, they would turn away in distraction.
As God’s people in this world today, what are we told? What are the words of wisdom shared in Scripture for us?
Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4
The Apostle Paul urges us to keep focused on what is most important. To now allow ourselves to be distracted by the things on the earth. What are the things which so easily distract us and lead us to turn away from our faithful walk in Christ? The list could be endless! Sex. Money. Possessions. Power. Prestige. Position.
We look at the world around us and become consumed by what we see, all the while losing focus on what is most important. Paul urges us to remain focused on what is above! The things of God.
Put it in perspective! How many of us, as we have grown older, have shifted our focus from blowing and going to scrimping and saving for retirement? We watch over our retirement account like a hawk, while never giving a second thought to where we are going to live beyond life in this world.
Again, put it in perspective. We will make it maybe 20 years in retirement. Move live a much shorter time after they retire and yes, there are the exceptions who live much longer. But you get the idea! We are focused on a few decades in this world while losing sight of the fact that we are going to live “FOREVER” in the presence of God.
The words of General Bradford would be good for us to take to heart. Keep looking above the horizon. That is where we are going and we cannot let anything distract us.
The world and the devil will work every angle to distract us. We must stay focused and in the day grind of life never allow anything to become more important than knowing God will be faithful to us and He will lead us home.
Here are your marching order! Don’t march for show but for the long haul. One foot in front of the other and now the victory is assured!
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
Blessings on your week,
Pastor Russ
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