A Change of Focus By Ed McDowell

Our Focus Influences the Direction of Our Hearts

The Apostle Paul teaches that when we come to Christ, our focus changes from the world to everything the Kingdom of God is about.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

Colossians 3:1-2 NLT

Reflection

Growing up, I heard the phrase “Some people are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good!” I am not exactly sure who or what that phrase was addressing, but I know it is not consistent with what Paul is getting at in Colossians. 

As leaders, when we focus on Christ and the fullness of the Kingdom of God, we are living, sharing, and bringing to the world exactly what it needs most. Consider the way this change in focus is meant to inform your leadership in everyday living:

Our real life or true life is with Christ: 

 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. The life of sin is an imposter or fake way of living. There is nothing about it that is true to who God designed and called us to be. When we embrace Christ and follow him, we step into the life we were made for. 

There is a future glory Christ shares with us:

And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. The imposter way of evil is all about “glory now!” It is a life of indulgent self-gratification. The way of Christ is about following him now and sharing in the fullness of his glory later. It is delayed gratification for something much greater. 

Stop living the way that is common in this world: 

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. Paul isn’t offering us an opportunity to justify keeping or continuing any of the things listed above. Christ wants to transform our minds, choices, and actions away from evil and towards the complete freedom he provides. 

Get rid of these things now: 

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. As a leader, don’t mess around by holding on to any of this. Get rid of it. These do not add value or help to your life. It’s time to drop them like a hot rock! This is not who we are anymore. 

Learn to know God and become more like him: 

Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. This takes time and effort in your relationship with God, his word, and fellowship with others who are doing the same. A big part of why I write and share with you is that I am growing in my knowledge of God and in my following of him. 

The real life is for everyone who believes in Christ: 

In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, enslaved, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. His presence in us transforms our lives. Let’s lead in a way that invites everyone to the love of Christ.

Be responsible with the opportunity God has given to us: 

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. The life we were made for in Christ gives us a way to live in relationship with the world that is freeing and beautiful.

Live with grace and forgiveness toward others: 

Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Grace and forgiveness offer us a way to freely work with others, even when they are confused and messed up.

Lead with love: 

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. The love of God is meant to permeate our lives and generously flow to others. It is what holds us together in relationships.

Prioritize peace: 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. Don’t prioritize anxiety or strife. Seek to live with the peace of God that surpasses our own understanding.

Live with gratitude:

 And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Enjoy the depth and beauty of following and growing in Christ. Choose to be a grateful person.

Help each other out:

 Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Meet with each other, share God’s truth and wisdom, and reinforce it with music that celebrates God’s faithfulness in our lives.

Represent well: 

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Not only are you and I followers of Christ, but we are also his representatives to others. Let this inform all our words and actions. With the help of the Holy Spirit, let us represent Christ well.

(Quotes from Colossians 3:3-5, 7-17 NLT)

Encouragement

In Christ, we experience the life we were meant to live. It runs much deeper than a career path or a good living. It is a life freed from the common bondage of sin. We are being asked to embrace this life by giving up some ways of living in exchange for a life of freedom that will last forever.

We step away from seeking our own glory now. Instead, we wait on the fullness of Christ’s glory as we live into a life of love and concern for others, just as Christ showed love and concern for us. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for this life together with you. It is a life of freedom and beauty. Help us continue to grow into its fullness.

Please help us as we get rid of and set aside former ways of living. This is often hard to do, and we need your help. Thank you for helping us with this.

May we realize that when we fully embrace the Kingdom of God, we are doing the very best thing for ourselves and everyone around us.

Let our leadership reflect you and your ways.

You love us so much to share and give all of this to us.

Thank you.

In your name, Jesus, we pray,

Amen

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Ed McDowell is the CEO of Warm Beach Camp Ministries. He also coaches and consults on board leadership and development, bringing fresh perspectives to complex situations. Ed authored a devotional series titled A Well-Planted Faith in an Uprooted Culture. His writing and speaking aim to challenge people to let God’s Word inform their lives. Ed and his wife, Bev, live on Camano Island, Washington, where they live out their mission statement: “To give our lives away for the cause of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible.”

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