Marks of a Disciple 8: Focus

If compassion is fueled by spirituality and humility, focus is the engine that keeps these four marks of a disciple moving on. Paul compares the life of a disciple to athletic events. He says:

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬-‭27‬

Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬

The author of Hebrews cautions:

Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Run the race to win the prize. Apply self-control so that you will perform your best. Do not accept second best. Do not get disqualified. Focus on your target. Remind yourself of the goal. Go on toward the things for which Jesus called you. Forget the past. Reach forward to the future. Press on and make the goal. Throw off what hinders. Stay free from what entangles. Run with endurance. Fix your eyes on what perfects.

It is this intensity of spirit that separates a disciple from a casual Christian, although many writers and theologians have noted that if a Christian is not a disciple, can he be called a Christian?

A carpentry apprentice follows a plan to become a master carpenter. They are mentored by someone who is a master themselves. On-the-job training is de rigueur. Not only does the apprentice learn how to cut and shape wood into something useful and beautiful, but they learn everything there is to know about many kinds of wood. They use the different tools that are needed and how to maintain them. They practice building and repeat their practice. They learn safety rules that prevent cuts and bruises. They plan, and they build.

Developing a plan to grow as a disciple or an apprentice of Jesus is not different from the carpentry apprentice. A disciple may have a mentor, but Jesus is always the lead mentor. The mentor or the mentoring team will inform, train, and practice with the disciple. Repetition is necessary. Time and patience are a must!

There are many good plans for disciples to grow. They will work if you use the plan and keep the goal in mind. Spiritual disciplines and practices of faith have been used for centuries to develop self-control (Gal 5:23), diligence, and focus. Although there is no one list from Scripture, John Mark Comer names them this way: The practice of the Sabbath. The practice of solitude. The practice of prayer. The practice of community. The practice of Scripture. The practice of fasting. The practice of generosity. The practice of service. The practice of witness. When you practice these disciplines, focus and attention are brought to the goal. Whitney says that a by-product of this practical and spiritual focus brings “new holy hungers … new holy longings [and] holy heartbeats.”

Some practical methods that create focus include journaling. Many people experience a renewed ability to focus using meditation. Some people prefer crafting and following a Rule of Life. One of my favorites is Scripture scribing, which is copying verses, passages, or whole books of the Bible. I started with the Book of Matthew and now I am copying the Book of John, using a special journal. I have filled two already!  Whichever method is more appealing to you; the application of focus is the key to your progress.

Focus is what keeps a disciple going on. A mark of a strong disciple will be an intentional plan of discipleship or a consistent habit of spiritual practices. 

Which of the above ideas might create focus for you? Try one or try them all!

Christ Jesus, keep my eyes focused upon You and You alone! I want to reach forward, press on, and throw off those things that might get in the way. Meet me in my quiet times and speak to me, I will listen. Amen.