Focus

Scripture: Matthew 2:12, ESV

“And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” (Matthew 2:12, ESV)

Notice the wise men were told not to go back to Herod. In many ways, Herod symbolizes the world system. Nothing in the world system encourages us to be engaged in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The value system of the kingdom is in opposition to that of the world.

The world system says to serve self and place your own personal needs above everything else. The value system of the kingdom is described in the Sermon on the Mount in the beatitudes.

For the Christ follower, his focus in life becomes Christ-centered, not self-centered.

“He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” (2 Corinthians 5:15, NLT)

Notice that the wise men departed to their country “by another way.” When we trust in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, we begin to engage our world in a different way. As our mind is transformed, we develop a different worldview. Our new convictions begin to progressively change our behavior.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

We see our world as being temporary and perishable. We now focus our attention on the imperishable values of the kingdom. This fact alone encourages us to get off the bench, get in the game, and play the most yield-active converterlating position we can find for helping to fulfill the Great Commission.

Today, ask yourself:

How much are my Christian convictions impacting my daily life? Do I have a kingdom worldview?