Applying the Principle of Focus in Daily Life and Interactions
The principle of focus is a recurring theme in Christian scripture and tradition, emphasizing the importance of concentrating one's attention and efforts on spiritual pursuits. In daily life, this principle is applied by prioritizing one's relationship with God and aligning one's actions and desires with divine will. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the apostle Paul encourages believers to "give thyself wholly to" spiritual pursuits, meditating carefully on them to achieve proficiency [3].
This focus is not merely a matter of individual effort but is rooted in a deeper understanding of one's identity and purpose. In John 10:14, Jesus describes himself as the "good shepherd" who knows his sheep, and is known by them, illustrating a reciprocal relationship between the believer and Christ [4]. This intimate knowledge is not just intellectual but involves a deep, spiritual assimilation, where the believer's life is transformed by their union with Christ.
In practical terms, applying the principle of focus involves distinguishing between what is of primary importance and what is secondary. The apostle Paul writes about the struggle between the desire to do good and the tendency to sin, identifying a "principle of life" at work in human experience [1]. Believers are called to orient their lives around spiritual realities, rather than being controlled by fleshly or worldly desires [6]. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note, those who are "after the flesh" give their attention to earthly things, while those who are "after the Spirit" focus on spiritual matters.
The Christian life is characterized by a tension between the present world and the kingdom of God. Believers are encouraged not to be overly attached to the fleeting nature of this world, using its resources without being consumed by them [2]. Instead, they are to cultivate a sense of detachment, recognizing that the "fashion of this world passeth away" [2]. This perspective allows believers to maintain a sense of balance and proportion in their daily lives.
The principle of focus is also linked to the idea of fellowship with God. According to 1 John 1:6, those who claim to have fellowship with God yet walk in darkness are considered to be lying and not practicing the truth [7]. In contrast, believers who walk in the light, aligning their actions and desires with God's will, experience a deepening relationship with Him.
Ultimately, the principle of focus is not just a moral or ethical guideline but is rooted in the believer's union with Christ. As Jesus says, "As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me" [5]. This spiritual nourishment and life come from a deepening relationship with Christ, where the believer's identity and purpose are found.
The application of the principle of focus in daily life involves a constant turning towards God and a turning away from distractions and sinful tendencies. It requires a commitment to spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer, as well as a willingness to be transformed by the power of God's Spirit. As believers prioritize their relationship with God and align their lives with His will, they experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Sources
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 7:21: 7:21 principle of life (literally law): Paul is referring to a regular occurrence, such as when we speak of the “law of gravity.” The struggle between wanting to do what is right and instead doing what is wrong reveals a regular pattern operating in the human sphere.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:31: not abusing it--not abusing it by an overmuch using of it. The meaning of "abusing" here is, not so much perverting, as using it to the full [BENGEL]. We are to use it, "not to take our fill" of its pursuits as our chief aim (compare Luk 10:40-42). As the planets while turning on their own axis, yet revolve round the sun; so while we do our part in our own worldly sphere, God is to be the center of all our desires. fashion--the present fleeting form. Compare Psa 39:6, "vain show"; Psa 73:20, "a dream"; Jam 4:14, "a vapor." passeth away--not ”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:15: Meditate--Greek, "Meditate CAREFULLY upon" (Psa 1:2; Psa 119:15; compare "Isaac," Gen 24:63). these things-- (Ti1 4:12-14). As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation. give thyself wholly to--literally, "BE in these things"; let them engross thee wholly; be wholly absorbed in them. Entire self-dedication, as in other pursuits, so especially in religion, is the secret of proficiency. There are chan”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 10:14: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep--in the peculiar sense of Ti2 2:19. am known of mine--the soul's response to the voice that has inwardly and efficaciously called it; for of this mutual loving acquaintance ours is the effect of His. "The Redeemer's knowledge of us is the active element, penetrating us with His power and life; that of believers is the passive principle, the reception of His life and light. In this reception, however, an assimilation of the soul to the sublime object of its knowledge and love takes place; and thus an activity, ”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 6:57: As the living Father hath sent me--to communicate His own life. and I live by the Father--literally, "because of the Father"; My life and His being one, but Mine that of a Son, whose it is to be "of the Father." (See Joh 1:18; Joh 5:26). he that eateth me, . . . shall live by me--literally, "because of Me." So that though one spiritual life with Him, "the Head of every man is Christ, as the head of Christ is God" (Co1 11:3; Co1 3:23).”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 8:5: For they that are after the flesh--that is, under the influence of the fleshly principle. do mind--give their attention to (Phi 3:19). the things of the flesh, &c.--Men must be under the predominating influence of one or other of these two principles, and, according as the one or the other has the mastery, will be the complexion of their life, the character of their actions.”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:6: say--profess. have fellowship with him-- (Jo1 1:3). The essence of the Christian life. walk--in inward and outward action, whithersoever we turn ourselves [BENGEL]. in darkness--Greek, "in the darkness"; opposed to "the light" (compare Jo1 2:8, Jo1 2:11). lie-- (Jo1 2:4). do not--in practice, whatever we say. the truth-- (Eph 4:21; Joh 3:21).”