Why My Focus Matters

In Mark 8:16-17 I read, “His followers discussed the meaning of this, saying, ‘He said this because we have no bread.’ Knowing what they were talking about, Jesus asked them, ‘Why are you talking about not having bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your minds closed?’” (NCV)

When I focus on the wrong things, I miss what God is doing in my life.

When my attention is only on the here and now, I’ll miss God’s long-term plan. When I just think about comfort, I’ll miss out on character. When I concentrate on happiness, I’ll forget holiness. When I just want to enjoy the moment, I may not be preparing for eternity.

When my thinking is short-term, I miss seeing the spiritual work God is doing all around me.

This is what happened to the disciples in Mark 8. The Bible says, “Then Jesus left the Pharisees and went in the boat to the other side of the lake. His followers had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat; they had forgotten to bring more. Jesus warned them, ‘Be careful! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod’” (Mark 8:13-15 NCV).

But the disciples missed the point: “His followers discussed the meaning of this, saying, ‘He said this because we have no bread.’ Knowing what they were talking about, Jesus asked them, ‘Why are you talking about not having bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your minds closed?’” (Mark 8:16-17 NCV).

Using yeast as a metaphor, Jesus was trying to teach his disciples a lesson about pride. But they didn’t understand the deeper meaning, they thought he was talking about lunch!

While Jesus was talking about the need for maturity, his disciples were talking about their next meal. That’s short-term thinking.

Whenever I’m thinking short-term, I won’t be able see the larger picture of what God is doing in my life. So ask God today to give me a glimpse into eternity and to help me experience the hope that comes from seeing his long-term plan.

In summary, Jesus is telling me that my focus matters. When I focus on the wrong things, I’ll miss what God is doing in my life. When my attention is only on the here and now, I’ll miss God’s long-term plan. When I just think about comfort, I’ll miss out on character. When I concentrate on happiness, I’ll forget holiness. When I just want to enjoy the moment, I may not be preparing for eternity. When my thinking is short-term, I miss seeing the spiritual work God is doing all around me. This is what happened to the disciples in Mark 8. The disciples missed the point. Using yeast as a metaphor, Jesus was trying to teach his disciples a lesson about pride.They didn’t understand the deeper meaning, they thought he was talking about lunch! While Jesus was talking about the need for maturity, his disciples were talking about their next meal. Whenever I’m thinking short-term, I too won’t be able see the larger picture of what God is doing in my life. 

Father, this morning I ask you to give me a glimpse into eternity and help me experience the hope that comes from seeing your long-term plan. I don’t want to be hard hearted and either refuse or miss out on Jesus' questions. I want to be sure I'm open to Christ's truth and to let him soften my heart. I also ask with the help of your spirit within me to keep a long-term, eternal mindset throughout my day. I ask you Father for wisdom for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my preparations for my future job role and for leading the small group. I ask these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.