Outward Focus

On this Memorial Day I’m reflecting on if my heart is inwardly or outwardly focused. This is a day that remembers those who cared enough about people and their country to make the ultimate sacrifice. All throughout the Bible and in this verse we are all called to look after and care for others. The phrase "look out for" is the Greek word skopos, from which we form our words telescope and microscope. It means pay close attention! See who people are and where they are struggling and step into their situation to help.

It's hard to pay attention to others when I’m focused too closely on myself. It’s a “natural” thing to look to myself and my needs first, but it isn’t the best or most fulfilling thing. I’ve got to constantly retrain my brain to prioritize the needs and concerns of others above my own. After all, Jesus gave us the best example of this when He chose to come to earth so that we might have abundant life.

So how do I shift my focus? First, I take all my cares to God. Only He can meet my needs, put my issues into context, and show me how much He has already done for me and what He will continue to do for me. Then, I ask Him to give me eyes to see ways that I can help others. He’ll equip me to take the very same love that He has given to me and spread it around to people that need it. Time and time again I find that an outward focus leaves me feeling a lot more satisfied than selfish navel gazing!

God wants to do great things in and through us today - but those things only happen when we are looking for the opportunity to serve people He has placed in our paths. Let’s go be world changers!

#thesassysaint