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Dive into a spiritual journey of focusing on the eternal rewards, enhancing our spiritual focus through daily devotion, and learning from Joshua’s exemplary faithfulness. This article offers Christians insights into staying focused on God’s path by applying biblical principles in every aspect of life.

As Christians, Are You Focusing on the Reward?

In the Christian journey, the concept of reward transcends mere material or temporal gains, pointing towards eternal and spiritual blessings. The Scriptures offer profound insights into the nature of these rewards, urging believers to maintain an eternal perspective. Let’s explore what the Bible says about focusing on the reward, supported by key scriptural references.

Eternal Perspective Over Temporal Sight

Looking Beyond the Seen: In 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul encourages believers to focus not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This verse highlights the importance of valuing eternal rewards over temporary, earthly gains. Christians are called to live with an awareness of eternal realities, understanding that the trials of this life are momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits.

Faith and Reward

Faith as the Key to Pleasing God: Hebrews 11:6 underscores that without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. This passage emphasizes faith as the foundation for receiving God’s rewards, highlighting that God acknowledges and rewards the earnest pursuit of Him.

Creation’s Expectation and Our Hope

The Creation’s Eager Longing: Romans 8:19 speaks of creation waiting with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. This verse, along with verses 24-25 about hope and patience, reflects the anticipation of both creation and believers for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The reward includes not only personal salvation but the restoration of all creation to its intended glory.

The Peaceful Kingdom

The Vision of Peace: Isaiah 11:6-9 provides a breathtaking picture of the peace and harmony that will characterize God’s kingdom. This vision of a restored creation, where natural enemies live in peace, symbolizes the comprehensive nature of the reward awaiting believers—a world transformed by God’s righteousness.

Jesus, Our Example

Focusing on the Joy Set Before Him: Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to look to Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame. Jesus’ focus on the eternal reward, including the salvation of humanity and the joy of fulfilling the Father’s will, serves as a model for believers to endure hardships with the assurance of future joy.

Endurance and Salvation

The Call to Endure: Matthew 24:13 reminds believers that the one who endures to the end will be saved. This endurance is not merely about survival but maintaining faith and obedience amidst trials, with the promise of ultimate salvation as the reward.

The Lord’s Patience and Salvation

God’s Desire for All to Come to Repentance: 2 Peter 3:9 and passages like Psalm 103:8-11 and Ezekiel 18:32 highlight God’s patience, mercy, and desire for all to repent and receive salvation. The reward includes experiencing God’s forgiveness and mercy, which surpasses human understanding.

The Assurance of Hope

Hope That Does Not Put to Shame: Romans 5:5 and Hebrews 6:11-12 speak of the hope we have in Christ—a hope that does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts. This hope is grounded in God’s promises and fueled by faith and patience.

As Christians, focusing on the reward means setting our hearts and minds on eternal truths and the promises of God. It involves enduring present trials with faith, looking to Jesus as our example, and eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of God’s promises for salvation, restoration, and eternal joy. The Scriptures call us to live in hope, sustained by the assurance of what God has prepared for those who love Him, and to engage in a life of faith that reaches beyond the temporal to grasp the eternal.

Enhancing Our Spiritual Focus as Christians

In the journey of faith, sharpening our spiritual focus is vital for deepening our relationship with God and living a life that reflects His will. This process involves diligent study, reflective meditation on God’s Word, and the practical application of biblical principles in our daily lives. Let’s explore how each of these aspects contributes to a more focused and fulfilling spiritual life.

Study God’s Word Daily

Commitment to Daily Reading: Regular engagement with the Bible is foundational to spiritual growth. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the importance of meditating on the Law day and night, ensuring that one’s actions align with God’s commands. This continuous interaction with Scripture keeps God’s teachings at the forefront of our minds, guiding our decisions and actions.

Understanding Through Diligence: Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for their eagerness to receive the word and for examining the Scriptures daily to understand the truth. This practice of daily study not only enriches our knowledge of God but also equips us to discern truth from falsehood, making us more effective in our Christian witness.

Meditate Appreciatively on God’s Word

Reflective Meditation: Psalm 1:1-2 contrasts the way of the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the blessedness of delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. Such meditation goes beyond casual reading to a deep, contemplative engagement with Scripture, allowing its truths to permeate our hearts and minds.

Appreciative Contemplation: Meditation involves appreciating the depth, richness, and applicability of God’s Word in our lives. It’s an active pondering that seeks to understand God’s character and His purposes, encouraging us to stand in awe of His works and promises (Psalm 119:27-28).

Apply Bible Principles in Your Life

Practical Application: James 1:22 challenges believers to be doers of the word and not hearers only, thereby avoiding self-deception. The real test of our spiritual focus is seen in how we apply biblical principles to our lives, influencing our behavior, decisions, and interactions with others.

Transformation Through Application: Romans 12:2 exhorts Christians not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewal of their mind. This transformation is facilitated by applying God’s Word, leading to discernment of His will—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Living the Word

Integrating Faith and Action: The application of Bible principles signifies the integration of faith and daily living. It’s about making decisions that reflect God’s righteousness, showing love and compassion as Jesus did, and seeking justice and peace in our interactions (Micah 6:8).

Witness Through Conduct: Our ability to sharpen our spiritual focus and live according to God’s Word serves as a powerful witness to those around us. Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to let their light shine before others, so they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.

Sharpening our spiritual focus requires a holistic approach that encompasses diligent study, reflective meditation, and the practical application of God’s Word. By committing to these disciplines, we cultivate a deeper understanding of God, foster a transformative relationship with Him, and become more effective in living out and sharing our faith. This focused spiritual life not only benefits us personally but also impacts the world around us, reflecting the love, truth, and grace of God in tangible ways.

Staying Focused Like Joshua: A Guide for Christians

In the walk of faith, staying focused on God’s promises and directives is crucial for overcoming challenges and fulfilling our God-given missions. Joshua, the successor of Moses, provides a remarkable example of such focus. His life and leadership, enriched by faithfulness and obedience to God, offer valuable lessons for Christians today. Let’s explore how we can stay focused in our faith, drawing inspiration from Joshua along with insights from Proverbs and Romans.

Embracing God’s Faithfulness

Joshua’s Recognition of God’s Faithfulness: In Joshua 23:14, Joshua reflects on his life and acknowledges the unfailing faithfulness of God towards Israel. Every promise God made to Israel was fulfilled under Joshua’s leadership. This acknowledgment is foundational to staying focused; recognizing that God is faithful and true to His word encourages us to trust and obey Him even in the face of adversity.

Cultivating a Joyful Heart

Finding Joy in Every Circumstance: Proverbs 15:15 teaches that a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast, regardless of external circumstances. This principle of maintaining joy is essential for focus. Amidst the trials and tribulations of life, a joyful heart, rooted in the knowledge of God’s love and promises, can sustain our focus on God and His plans for us.

Sustaining Hope Through Patience and Prayer

The Power of Patience and Prayer: Romans 12:12 urges believers to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. This triad of virtues – joy, patience, and prayerfulness – is key to staying focused like Joshua. Patience in affliction reflects a deep trust in God’s timing and purposes, while faithful prayer keeps our communication with God active, ensuring our focus remains on Him and His guidance.

Lessons from Joshua’s Focus

Trust in God’s Promises

Joshua’s unwavering focus was rooted in his trust in God’s promises. He led Israel to numerous victories because he believed in the certainty of God’s word. Similarly, Christians are called to trust in the promises of God, including His assurance of salvation, provision, and presence. This trust helps us stay focused, especially when facing obstacles or when the fulfillment of His promises seems delayed.

Obedience to God’s Word

Joshua’s life was characterized by obedience to God’s commands. He meticulously followed God’s instructions, which was crucial for his success in leading Israel. In the same way, Christians are called to obey God’s Word, allowing it to guide our actions, decisions, and priorities. Obedience keeps our focus aligned with God’s will, leading to a fruitful and fulfilling life.

Courage in the Face of Adversity

Joshua demonstrated remarkable courage, not because of his strength but because of his faith in God. He faced formidable enemies and challenging situations with confidence in God’s presence and power. Christians are encouraged to exhibit the same courage, facing life’s battles with the assurance that God is with us, empowering us to overcome.

Conclusion

Staying focused like Joshua involves recognizing God’s faithfulness, cultivating a joyful heart, and sustaining hope through patience and prayer. It calls for trust in God’s promises, obedience to His Word, and courage in the face of adversity. By embodying these principles, Christians can navigate the complexities of life with unwavering focus and faithfulness, leading to spiritual growth and the accomplishment of God’s purposes in and through our lives.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).