For the Faithful

Focus

Concentrating my effort and managing distractions

Our current faith‑based resources are written from a Christian perspective, but we know that many other faith traditions also nurture strong character, and we want to honor and uplift that diversity.

We are actively seeking contributors from additional faith traditions who would like to help us expand this section. If you are interested, we would be grateful to partner with you.

Focus helps believers center their hearts and minds on what truly matters.

When we give our attention to God’s purposes rather than distractions, our service becomes more meaningful and our relationships deepen. Focus nurtures a spirit of intentionality that strengthens both faith and community.

Essay

The Character of Focus

By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister

There is one characteristic word that is like a theme that runs throughout the entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments. And yet, that word is never used in the entire Bible. The word is focus. I lead a Bible Study once a week at my church. At the end of class one night, a gentleman said to me, “I couldn’t concentrate because your glasses are tilted and all I could think about was straightening them out for you.” I know he meant to help with my appearance, but it said more about him than it did about me. His obsessive need for neatness distracted him from learning spiritual life lessons.

This pull of focus and distraction was present at the very beginning of history. Adam and Eve were put in a beautiful garden. In the garden was the Tree of Life and the Tree of Good and Evil. Soon, the people were distracted so that they focused on the Tree of Good and Evil instead of the Tree of Life. Then, distractions became the norm. The Israelites were distracted and worshiped other gods. The disciples were too distracted to prevent Jesus from being taken to the cross. Today, even as we read this, we will be distracted from our major focus – Jesus Christ.

Christian focus involves deliberately directing one’s mind and heart towards God’s principles, promises, and purpose rather than becoming entangled in worldly fears or chaos. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to be “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Philippians 3:13-14 tells us to “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.” A focused life requires intentionally letting go of past failures or successes and putting all our energy and attention toward a singular divine objective – Jesus. We can use the words of a simple song to remind us: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Christian discipleship is using the character of focus to draw close to our goal of being one with Christ Jesus.

Affirmations for the Faithful

I pay attention and stay on task as God would want me to.
I follow directions, honoring God with my work.
I finish my chores with a joyous heart.
I block out distractions to stay on the path God has for me.
I value others by giving them my full attention.

Focus Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources, like activities, reflections, and visuals you can use personally or in your faith organization to encourage the Character Quality of Focus.

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