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How To Find Your Focal Point
by Amanda Beattie
Most art students are familiar with the term "focal point." The focal point of a painting or sketch is a literal point that is the center of the entire picture. All lines on the horizon lead to it. It determines the perspective of the entire scene. And every good art student knows that the placement of the focal point is vastly important to the final product of the artist.
Focal life
God has set up our lives much the same way. Whether we know it or not, we have a focal point in our life. Something, somehow, is guiding our thoughts and our day-to-day patterns.
We all have something that defines our mindset and our outlook. Whatever you allow your focus to be will determine the general direction of your life. Obviously then, it is extremely vital to place your focus on the right thing.
Out-of-Focus
It's very easy to focus on things that end up distracting us and distorting our entire life perspective. Our looks, our performance, or the attentions of that certain someone can all draw our focus away from where it needs to be.
For instance, if we become too worried about what people think about us, it tends to direct our thoughts and actions. We spend countless hours in front of the mirror, fretting with our appearance, putting all our energy and effort into making ourselves attractive -- or at least acceptable -- to whomever we're trying to impress. We don't even get dressed in the morning without worrying about how it will be perceived. Our cares about how people look at us change how we carry ourselves, what we say, and how we feel about ourselves.
However, living to please other people is extremely unrewarding. No matter how hard we try, and regardless of how many people like us, there's always an underlying hollow feeling -- a feeling of deep dissatisfaction.
There is only one focus we can adapt for ourselves that will yield a pleasing end result.
Back in Focus
When we make Jesus the center of our lives -- when we look to Him as our focus and our anchor -- things are radically different. Our feelings about ourselves change in light of how He feels about us.
It's hard to feel worthless when you remember that someone loved you enough to pay the ultimate price for your eternal freedom. And you can always have hope in remembering that He's watching over you.
You don't have to worry about how other people see you; you only need to remember how you look in His eyes. He sees you as beautiful and desirable. After all, He chose you as His own! You don't have to be concerned about looking cool to Him; He already loves you with more love than the universe can contain.
It's amazing how things fall into place when we give Jesus what's already supposed to be His: our focus, attentions, and love. With Jesus as the center of our lives, our thoughts, attitudes, and actions will begin to line up according to His will.
So let's get focused on the One who has the power to shape our lives, for He is the proper "focal point" for our lives!
Life Applications:
How do you feel about your life focus right now?
What are some things that can steal our focus and distract us from God?
What are some practical ways you can focus on Jesus?
Copyright 2003 by Amanda Beattie
All rights reserved.
Posted by bjubar on 09/23 at 02:10 AM
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