Introduction: The Importance of Focus
Today, I wish to discuss with you a crucial topic—maintaining our focus on the imminent return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In a world full of diversions, it can be simple to stray from the magnificent day when Christ will come back. Nevertheless, the Scriptures consistently urge us to remain steadfastly attentive to this forthcoming occurrence as it influences our present way of life.
**Scripture:** Hebrews 12:2 says, *“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.”*
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. This focus is not just on His first coming but also on His second coming, the glorious return when He will make all things new.
I. The Importance of Focus
In any journey, focus is critical. A driver who takes his eyes off the road is likely to veer off course or even crash. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, if we lose focus on Jesus’ return, we risk drifting into complacency, sin, or despair.
**Example:** As a young man working in the dense forests of Oregon, I soon realized the significance of concentration. Dealing with large trees demanded accuracy. A single error, a brief lapse in attention, could have devastating consequences. Similarly, our Spiritual focus must be keen, resolute, and intentional.
**Scripture:** 2 Peter 3:10-12a reminds us, *“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you "look forward" to the day of God and speed its coming.”
This passage reminds us of the transient nature of the world and the need to stay focused on living holy and godly lives as we await Christ's return.
II. How To Recognize When Focus Has Drifted
Now, how do we recognize when our focus has drifted? It’s easy to get caught up in the worries, pleasures, and distractions of life. Sometimes, it happens subtly, like a slow leak in a tire, until one day we realize we’re off course.
As an Over-The-Road truck driver, I often had to check my route and make sure I was on the right road. It was easy to get lost in the vast network of highways across the U.S. and Canada if I didn’t pay attention to my maps. Similarly, we need spiritual “check-ins” to ensure we’re still on the right path, focused on Jesus’ return.
**Scripture:** Matthew 24:42-44 says, *“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”*
When our passion for the things of God wanes, when our prayer life becomes inconsistent, or when we become overly attached to the things of this world, these are signs that our focus has drifted.
III. How to Refocus on that Glorious Day
Refocusing is an "intentional act." When we realize our focus has drifted, we must realign ourselves with God’s Word and His promises.
During my struggle with alcoholism, I lost sight of my priorities. It was only when I reached a breaking point with my lifestyle that I recognized the need to shift my focus from self-centeredness to serving others through Jesus Christ. Through His grace, I reconnected with Him, and He brought healing into my life. Similarly, we should consistently refocus on the anticipation of Jesus' return, allowing that hope to influence our everyday actions.
**Scripture:** Colossians 3:2-4 says, *“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”*
To refocus, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, pray earnestly, and fellowship with other believers who share this focus.
**Quote:** C.S. Lewis once said, *“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”*
When we set our minds on Christ’s return, it reorients our entire lives, influencing our decisions, our relationships, and our priorities.
Conclusion: Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize
Beloved, the return of Jesus is the hope that fuels our faith. In a world full of distractions, it’s essential that we remain focused on that glorious day. Let us regularly check our spiritual bearings, recognize when our focus has drifted, and intentionally refocus on the promise of His coming.
**Scripture:** Revelation 22:20, *“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”*
Let this be our prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus.” Let us live each day with the anticipation of His return, staying focused on the eternal prize that awaits us.
As someone who has faced many challenges in life—whether it was overcoming the battle with alcoholism, navigating through cancer, or dealing with the scars of PTSD—I can testify to the power of keeping our eyes on Jesus. When we fix our focus on Him, even the darkest valleys are navigable, and we are continually reminded that our suffering is temporary, but the glory that awaits us is eternal.
In a world that constantly tries to pull us in a thousand different directions, staying focused on the return of Jesus is not just important; it is vital. It’s the anchor that keeps our souls steady in the storm. As we await that glorious day, let us encourage one another, live holy lives, and keep our eyes firmly on the horizon where our Savior will one day appear.
May God bless you as you keep your focus on the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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