Posted by Kurt Scobie on December 18, 2014
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
In a world of selfies and instant gratification, it is increasingly difficult to focus our attention on anything but ourselves. Every aspect of our lives is being invaded by self-centeredness. And while there are many reasons that our culture is shifting, it is our responsibility as Christians to take action in our own lives and shift our attention back on Jesus and the needs of people around us.
Author and pastor Mark Batterson got me thinking about this with a recent tweet (see below). There is so much focus on individuality in our culture, that we forget that we are not to do all of this on our own. In Christ is our identity, our strength, our righteousness, our hope, and our life.
So, fix your eyes on Jesus. Talk with your Lord throughout your day. Worship your Savior in everything you do. Take your focus off of yourself.
If your worship depends on how you're doing spiritually; refocus. Take a step back from your own circumstances and take a step closer to God. Loosen your grip on your own thoughts and cling tighter to God's thoughts.
"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 NKJV
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
In a world of selfies and instant gratification, it is increasingly difficult to focus our attention on anything but ourselves. Every aspect of our lives is being invaded by self-centeredness. And while there are many reasons that our culture is shifting, it is our responsibility as Christians to take action in our own lives and shift our attention back on Jesus and the needs of people around us.
Author and pastor Mark Batterson got me thinking about this with a recent tweet (see below). There is so much focus on individuality in our culture, that we forget that we are not to do all of this on our own. In Christ is our identity, our strength, our righteousness, our hope, and our life.
So, fix your eyes on Jesus. Talk with your Lord throughout your day. Worship your Savior in everything you do. Take your focus off of yourself.
If your worship depends on how you're doing spiritually; refocus. Take a step back from your own circumstances and take a step closer to God. Loosen your grip on your own thoughts and cling tighter to God's thoughts.
"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 NKJV
