Attention – All in

The Battle for Our Attention: Seeking First the Kingdom of God

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, there’s an ongoing battle for our attention. Every day, we’re bombarded with notifications, advertisements, and distractions vying for our focus. But amidst this cacophony of demands, where should our attention truly lie?

The answer, as timeless as it is profound, is found in the words of Jesus: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). This divine instruction serves as a compass, guiding us through the maze of modern life’s distractions.

But what does it mean to seek God’s kingdom first? It’s about prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, making His will and His ways the central focus of our lives. It’s not just a label we wear or a side hobby; it must be at the core of everything we do and are.

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 beautifully illustrates this principle. While Martha busied herself with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings. When Martha complained, Jesus gently reminded her that Mary had “chosen what is better.” This doesn’t mean that serving is wrong – far from it. But it does highlight the importance of rooting our service, and indeed all aspects of our lives, in a deep, attentive relationship with Jesus.

In a world where billions are spent annually to capture our attention, we must be intentional about where we direct our focus. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” and to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). This metaphor of running a race reminds us that our journey with God requires both focus and endurance.

So how do we practically apply this in our daily lives? It starts with being aware of what currently holds our attention. Are the things we focus on drawing us closer to God or pulling us away? Are we allowing social media algorithms, advertising, or other external forces to dictate our priorities?

Developing spiritual disciplines can help us redirect our attention to God. Regular Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are crucial. These shouldn’t be viewed as burdensome tasks, but as life-giving practices that help us connect with our Creator. As we persevere in these disciplines, they become less of an effort and more of a joy.

The remarkable story of Corrie ten Boom serves as a powerful example of maintaining focus on God even in the darkest circumstances. During her imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie learned to trust God with unwavering focus. Her sister Betsy encouraged her to give thanks in all situations, even amidst unimaginable suffering. This shift in focus – from her dire circumstances to God’s goodness – provided Corrie with strength, peace, and clarity.

After the war, Corrie’s experiences led her to share a message of forgiveness and faith around the world. She famously said, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” Her life demonstrates that when we fix our eyes on Jesus, even the most challenging situations can become part of our journey of growth and purpose.

It’s important to note that seeking God’s kingdom first doesn’t mean we ignore our earthly responsibilities. We still need to work, pay bills, and take care of practical matters. However, we do so with a heavenly perspective, viewing every aspect of our lives as an opportunity to honor God and further His kingdom.

When we truly seek God’s kingdom first, Jesus promises that “all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). This doesn’t mean a life free from challenges, but rather a life infused with God’s peace, hope, and joy – regardless of our circumstances. As Isaiah 26:3 beautifully puts it, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

In practical terms, paying attention to our attention might mean setting boundaries with technology, creating intentional times of silence and solitude, or reevaluating our priorities. It might involve “budgeting” our attention just as we budget our finances, being intentional about where we invest this precious resource.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let’s remember Corrie ten Boom’s wisdom: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Our circumstances may be uncertain, but our God is unchanging. By fixing our gaze on Him, we can find stability amidst chaos, purpose in confusion, and hope in despair.

The book of Proverbs offers this timeless advice: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet” (Proverbs 4:25-27). In a world full of distractions, let’s be intentional about where we direct our attention. Let’s not merely meander through life, but purposefully fix our eyes on Jesus.

As we conclude, let’s challenge ourselves to evaluate what truly has our attention. Are we allowing the cares of this world to dominate our thoughts, or are we seeking first God’s kingdom? Let’s commit to developing habits and disciplines that keep us rooted in Christ, trusting that as we do so, we’ll experience the fullness of life He promises.

In the quiet moments of our days, may we hear the gentle invitation of Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” In that stillness, may we find the clarity, purpose, and peace that come from giving our full attention to the One who created us, loves us, and calls us to a life beyond our wildest imagination.

This blog is created from my message at Heart Church, you can listen to the full message here.