When we are tempted, how and where we focus is important. We have considered the needed look within as to the nature of our own desires and our need for looking ahead to and utilizing the pathway of escape God provides. Today, let us consider the upward focus.
When Jesus was praying in the garden prior to His arrest, He broke away from his prayer and came to where Peter, James, and John had been left to watch as He prayed. (Matthew 26:37-39) We read. . .
“(40) And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? (41) Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” (Matthew 26:40-41 ESV)
Peter held a strong conviction regarding his faithfulness to the Lord (Matthew 26:34-35), but when the moment came, he was not as strong as he thought he would be. (Matthew 26:69-75) We need to be watchful in this regard as well. Though we possess the sincere desire to do what is right, there remains the need to be watchful due to the weakness of the flesh and so the need to look up to God in prayer for the help and strengthening we need.
Writing to Christians at Colossae, Paul urged. . .
“(1)If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2 ESV)
Rather than resting the focusing on what is around us, we need to set our focus above. It is in looking above that we will have the proper heavenly perspective for living in this earthly realm. May we watch and may we pray with heart and focus directed upward!
Have a great day LIVING AN UPLIFTED LIFE WITH AN UPWARD FOCUS!
Carl
