Focus SignMy wife, Judy, is an excellent pianist. Along with teaching others to play, she uses her gift for the Lord, playing at our church, at our local Christian university, and for other ministry opportunities.

Recently, we were talking about something we recognize that is critical in what we both do…music and media.

Keep your focus.

Judy says she must stay “in the moment” …not get ahead of herself in the music, or think of mistakes in the past. In the media realm, I often told our on-air radio staff that the most important moment of their air shift was the next moment.

That is good advice as we do the task God has called us to do. Stay focused.

But there is a balance.

There was a time in Jesus’ ministry when the disciples wanted Jesus to stay right where they were. To focus on that one place. Makes sense. They were seeing great success and favor. It was comfortable. But the Lord had a different idea…a different urging.

[blockquote author=”Luke 4:43 NLT” link=”” target=”_blank”]But he [Jesus] replied, ‘I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.c[/blockquote]

Today, there are other paces that need the Gospel, the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Other places that need the hope that only Christ can bring.

The Apostle Paul understood that in his life and ministry. He asked the believers in Thessalonica to pray for him and the spread of the Gospel.

[blockquote author=”II Thessalonians 3:1 NLT” link=”” target=”_blank”]…dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.[/blockquote]

So, yes, focus on the job at hand. Stay in the moment. Don’t let past mistakes or future concerns distract you. But be open to God’s urging…His calling…to take the message of hope, found only in Jesus Christ, to the other cities also. Remember…someone brought the Gospel to you.