A clear, undivided focus

DAILY BYTE

In these BDC devotions yesterday I made reference to International Mandela Day. The intention of this day is that in celebrating Madiba’s birthday, people around the world are encouraged to focus on doing something to make this world a better place. Something happens when people, in their numbers, are sharply attentive to something that really matters. There’s a collective synergy that emerges from such common-mindedness that can be hugely impactful. We shouldn’t be cynically dismissive about the difference that such a day can make to our world.

Indeed, as a nation we have recently experienced the power and impact of a common, united focus in our hosting of the 2010 World Cup. This singular focus has been evident in a whole host of ways: the preparedness of our infrastructure in hosting this event, the heightened police presence on our city’s streets, the efficiency of the judiciary in the specially constituted World Cup courts, the street vendors selling flags & vuvuzelas, every second car flying a flag of some sort, the sea of yellow jerseys on the days when Bafana Bafana was playing.

I know of someone in the church I serve who paid R2240 to buy two tickets to ensure that his domestic worker and her son didn’t miss out on going to at least one game!

One of the delightful expressions of this World Cup focus are the names that have been given to children born during the tournament. Maternity wards here in KZN have reported that true to Zulu custom, many children have been named for events at the time of their birth.

Some of the names recently recorded are:
Tickets Ngubane
Kickoff Shabalala
Red-card Mbatha
Half-time Hlatshwayo
Vuvuzela Mhlongo
Park n Ride Khumalo

You’ve got to love that!

Yes, this World Cup experience has touched all of us in some way or another, and in doing so has demonstrated the transforming power of a clear, undivided focus.

Of course, most of the time everybody is doing their own thing, heading off in a million different directions. As we know Mandela Day happens only once a year. The Soccer World Cup only once every four years. For the rest, it’s mostly everyone for themselves.

Which is just one of the reasons why going to church actually matters. It’s one of the few regular opportunities that we have to allow our attention to be directed with others to a focal point worthy of our attention, which is, of course, God.

We need this, because even as individuals, we are so easily distracted by the many tasks that are ours, each of us pulled in many different directions at the same time. Think about it – what all are you juggling at the moment? What all is occupying head space for you, even right now?

Your work? Your finances? Your situation at home? A difficult relationship? Uncertainties about the future? A traumatic experience that continues to haunt you? A shameful secret? A loved one who is troubled? Health concerns? Raw grief? Concern for your parents, or your children, or grandchildren? Family who are far away?

Maybe, as you think about your life right now, you can recognize that you are worried and distracted by many things.

That’s what Jesus recognized in a woman by the name of Martha, who had opened her home to him in hospitality. In doing so she was offering a cherished gift, but was also opening her home to receive a cherished gift – the cherished gift of the peace of Christ and the good news of the kingdom.

Over the next couple of days we’ll take a closer look at her story. But for now, think about what it would mean for you to find, in the midst of the many demands and distractions of your life, a clear, undivided focus upon that which is truly important. This is the promise of the gospel, which is truly good news.

PRAY AS YOU GO

Lord, there are so many conflicting demands and responsibilities in my life, that sometimes I truly don’t know if I’m coming or going. Help me to find a clear, undivided focus on that which is truly important, and enable me to be sharply attentive to that which you ask of me. Thank you that when I fix my attention on you, everything else can be seen in its rightful perspective. Amen

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 6:33

‘Seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’