What has Captured Your Attention?

Good Morning,

This morning I want to add one more piece to the Principle of the Path, which as you know by now is: Direction – Not Intention – Determines Destination.  But what is it that determines our direction?  

Over forty years ago I was working on a construction site when a girl walked outside next door. I’m not exactly sure what I did in that moment, but all I know is that my mind was no longer on building houses. In November of 2018, that girl and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. That summer day in 1974 a gorgeous girl caught my attention and it determined the direction for the rest of my life.  So it is with attention.  What gets our attention determines our direction and ultimately our destination.

Is it any wonder that the scriptures remind us to guard our hearts, to watch our eyes and our thoughts?  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Phil. 4:8.

The God of the universe cares deeply about the direction and quality of your life. He knows that we don’t just end up places by accident.  But to focus our attention on things that are good, healthy and lovely requires discipline. It requires the continual transformation of our minds.  Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Rom. 12:2

Remember your parents urging you to choose your friends carefully and to watch what you focus your attention on?  That is because the things and people vying for your time and attention do have an impact on you over time.  Ultimately, these influences impact the things that capture your heart; the things you become passionate about.  It isn’t rocket science.  It is simply a fact of life.

So what has captured your attention in life?  Is it leading you in a direction that lines up with where you want to go? If so, great.  If not, then maybe some course corrections are required. Maybe the things that occupy your focus need adjusted.  This is not something to take lightly.  This is serious business. It will impact you and those around you as well.  Remember the truth from a few weeks back?  You are not the exception to the Principle of the Path. Direction does in fact determine your destination.  And what you give your attention to will determine the direction you take.  

As your attention goes, so goes your life. 

Live this week on purpose,
Ron Klopfenstein

(This series is based on the book The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley)