Lesson Learned: BE FOCUSED

"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you."

- Proverbs 4:25

         I just started reading Proverbs for my quiet time this week. Most of the chapters in the book of Proverbs was written by no other than the wisest man (according to the Bible) ever lived. So I thought, if I want to grow in wisdom and in the knowledge of God, I should learn it from the best (with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, of course).

             By the way, I am already a college graduate (Yehey!) but I am not working just yet. Currently, I am reviewing for the entrance exams I will be taking for law school. In fact, last Monday, I went to UP Diliman to submit my application for the examination. Mimay, my good friend accompanied me since she is familiar with the campus. While we were waiting for our ride to Trinoma for our lunch, we randomly talked about a common friend that we have - how he/she is impulsive about his/her decision and keeps on taking responsibilities that we think are beyond his/her capacity.

         Truth is, I can relate to that friend we were talking about. In my heart is the desire to make a difference, to influence other people and to make an impact in my generation. Now these desires are not at all bad, in fact, they are good. But, however good they may be, they can be distractions to my goals. When I was in my supposed last semester in college, my goal was to graduate on time. But at the same time, I was the president of my organization, was part of big events in my university and was active in the community. All these things are good, but ultimately, it took my focus off of my goal.

             That is one lesson I have learned in my life: to set my focus on my goal. It's important to know what you want and keep your eyes focused on it. When an opportunity comes, ask yourself, "will this help me attain my goal or not?" Because if not, that is just a distraction, no matter how good and beautiful it may seem to be. If that opportunity is really for you, it will come in the right place and the right time. Just take one step at a time. 

          And as I was praying and meditating on this verse, I just realized that there are still a lot of things that I want to do in my life. And then I asked, which should I do first? which should be my the goal that I will accomplish first? Then, I was reminded of another verse in the bible which pretty much have the same wisdom as the one in Proverbs.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its

shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

-Hebrews 12;2

           God revealed to me that it is not just about being focused on a goal, particularly your personal goals. It is all about being focused to the goals and purposes of the Lord for our lives. It's about wanting and fixing our eyes on what He wants for us. Ultimately, our eyes should be focused on Jesus. Every hope, every dream, every desires of your lives must be focused on Him alone.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

God, thank you for this word. Thank you for teaching me to keep my attention and focus straight ahead so that I will not be distracted with the seemingly "interesting" sights along the way. Teach me set my gaze straight when it comes to spiritual things and in the decisions that I'll make in my life. Thank you, Holy Spirit for the guidance that you have been giving and those that you will continually give. Jesus, all glory and honor belongs to you, and in your name I ask all these.