Staying focused on Christ in our daily lives can be challenging in our busy and distracted world. But Scripture gives us wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to fix our eyes on Jesus amidst the cares of life. Here are some biblical keys to staying focused on Christ:
1. Read and meditate on God’s Word daily
God’s Word is the primary way we come to know Christ more deeply. As Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Immersing ourselves regularly in the Gospels and Epistles allows us to encounter the living Christ through the pages of Scripture. We grow to know His character and teachings in a profound way (Psalm 119:15-16).
It’s important that we don’t just skim the Bible, but really meditate on what we read. The Psalms, in particular, model how to meditate on God’s Word. As we read Scripture slowly, thoughtfully, and prayerfully, we begin to grasp its depth and nuances. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to reshape our thinking and renew our minds (Romans 12:2). Studying Scripture helps us discern truth from falsehood and keeps our focus on the eternal rather than the temporary things of this world.
2. Pray continually
Prayer keeps us connected to Christ throughout the day. First Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) instructs us to “pray without ceasing.” When we bring Him into all aspects of our day through ongoing conversation and “arrow prayers,” it enables us to see life from His perspective. We can align our thoughts, words and actions with His purposes as we invite Him into every situation. Prayers of worship and gratitude to Christ also keep Him at the center of our attention.
It’s helpful to develop the habit of praying at set times, such as morning and evening. But conversing with Christ spontaneously as needs or blessings arise is also important. Using Scripture as a framework for our prayers helps keep them focused on God’s truth versus our shifting emotions or desires (Psalm 19:14).
3. Set our minds on things above
It’s easy to get consumed by the worries, pleasures, and troubles of this world. But Colossians 3:2 (ESV) tells us to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This involves consciously choosing to fix our thoughts on the eternal realities that Christ revealed.
As we go about our day, we can train our minds to view our circumstances through the lens of God’s truths and promises. Seeing life from the heavenly perspective enables us to take our eyes off earthly fears, frustrations and distractions. We can ask Christ to align our priorities with His as we seek His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
4. Worship and give thanks
A heart of continual worship and thanksgiving keeps our focus on the blessings we have in Christ. The Psalms exhort us to “magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:3 ESV). Singing spiritual songs and hymns of praise throughout the day enables us to focus on God’s majesty and goodness. Expressing gratitude to Christ for His daily grace and provision reminds us of His faithfulness in every circumstance.
5. Fellowship with other believers
We tend to be shaped and influenced by those we spend the most time with. Surrounding ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ who are wholeheartedly seeking Him provides us with encouragement, wisdom and accountability in our walk with God. Their passion for Christ-exalting worship, prayer, service and outreach spurs us on to greater devotion. We sharpen one another “as iron sharpens iron” through godly friendships (Proverbs 27:17).
6. Share Christ’s love
Being intentional to share the good news of Christ with others provides us with powerful motivation to keep growing in our knowledge of Him. As we give what we’ve freely received, we find that teaching and serving others deepens our own understanding of God’s truth and grace (Matthew 10:8). It expands our capacity to know Christ by stretching our faith. Keeping an outward focus of sharing Christ’s compassion also guards against self-absorption and spiritual apathy creeping in.
7. Yield moment by moment
As we go through each day, we can pause frequently to surrender ourselves afresh to Christ in that moment. Yielding control to Him in the everyday circumstances uniquely before us enables us to rest in His capability versus our own. It frees us from the burden of trying to figure everything out ourselves. 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) encourages us to “cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Entrusting ourselves to Christ instills peace and grace as we recognize our weakness and His strength.
8. Deal decisively with sin
Sinful attitudes and habits cloud our vision of Christ and quench His Spirit’s work in our lives. That’s why 1 John 1:9 (ESV) urges us to continually “confess our sins” to the Lord to receive His cleansing forgiveness. The New Testament also calls us to “put to death” the deeds and desires of the flesh through the empowering of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13). Sin pulls our focus away from the Lord onto ourselves. Dealing with it decisively through repentance, accountability and spiritual disciplines like fasting enables us to see and savor Christ more clearly.
9. Persevere through trials
Challenging circumstances in life, both internally and externally, can quickly shift our gaze off Christ onto our difficult emotions or situations. But by God’s grace, we can choose to respond differently. James 1:2-4 (ESV) encourages us to “Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” As we lean into Christ in our hardships, He refines our faith and gives us His perfect peace beyond understanding (Isaiah 26:3). Keeping our minds fixed on eternity helps us view current troubles from the vantage point of hope and sovereign purpose.
10. Rely on the Spirit’s help
On our own, it’s impossible to stay focused on Christ amidst the pressures of each day. We need the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and grace to walk closely with the Lord. Galatians 5:16 (ESV) encourages us to “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” As we yield to His filling and control moment by moment, the Spirit bears His fruit in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV). These strengthening virtues enable us to keep our eyes fixed firmly on Christ no matter what we face.
Staying focused on the Lord Jesus Christ is the key to walking in wisdom, peace and purpose as God’s dearly loved children. By His amazing grace, may we passionately pursue knowing Christ more through the spiritual disciplines He’s given us. As our minds and hearts grow more captivated by His unsurpassed worth, may every step of our lives faithfully align with His eternal Kingdom.