Speaker: Dr. Harold J. Sala | Series: Guidelines For Living | But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33

It’s a mad, mad world. Keeping your head when everybody else is losing theirs is no small challenge.  How do you do it? First, you must keep your perspective. Then, know what your purpose in life is. The third guideline: Don’t sweat the small stuff or have your life consumed with worry. Now here’s the next important step in keeping your sanity in a mad, mad world.

Guideline #4: Keep your focus.  That means you have a point of reference which gives you guidance in life. Here’s something to think about. In space there is no east or west, north or south. There isn’t even an up or down. Why? No points of reference, and that is why the Hubble space telescope has to have a guidance system which allows it to know where to point. The solution: scientists installed four gyroscopes which work in concert to provide stability for the powerful telescope. Among many other things, gyroscopes are used to keep high-speed monorail trains straight and keep them from leaning as they go around curves.

Are you beginning to see why you need something in life to steady your life and help you keep your focus?  Probably I don’t need to convince you. But what’s the solution? What will do for your life that a gyroscope will do for the Hubble telescope in space?

Jesus addressed this very issue when he was here on earth. He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Question: Have we got it all wrong? Have we been misled by thinking that the one with the biggest pile of toys is the winner, that the most powerful, the most beautiful, or the strongest is really the one on top? The word Jesus used was a strong one. It means to search and seek for something you once had but lost. He is saying that when humankind turned their back on God and went their own direction, they lost His guidance, which needs to be put back in place.

What consumes our lives and passions?  What drives people? Three general forces: the thirst or passion for money, for fame or notoriety, or for power and influence. And Jesus is saying, “I want to be first, and when your focus is on me, I’ll take care of all your needs in life.”

The reality is that some things never change. What Jesus stressed long ago is just as true today as it was when He taught the disciples long ago. When you get your focus right, all the rest of the world and your desires will take on proper perspective.

In one sentence what Jesus is saying you must do is to prioritize your life, your time, your value system, and your relationships.  Having a spiritual dimension to your life doesn’t mean you neglect your family, running to church every day, or you neglect your business or your fields, as the case may be; but as a conscious decision you make God your senior partner and Jesus Christ the Lord of your life.

When Jesus talked to the crowd of people who had come to hear Him teach, when He spoke these words, some of them got nervous, just as you may have done. Forget it, friend. He knows the end from the beginning. You don’t. He sees far beyond the fog that obscures your vision.  That’s why focus means God can direct your life and you will keep your sanity in a mad, mad world.

Remember that the Hubble telescope in space would be worthless without a gyroscope, and without focus you will wander in confusion, knowing neither east or west, up or down.

Resource reading: Luke 15:11-31