Set Your FOCUS

Do you remember as a kid being all excited that you had a magnifying glass? Or what about putting a quarter in the binocular machine at the zoo to see the giraffes and elephants from far away. There was something so satisfying about observing nature up close and personal. It piqued your curiosity to learn and motivated you to get engaged with the world around you.

I wonder what would happen if we were just as intent on the souls of men? I wonder whose life would be changed if we were up close and personal with the lost world around us.

Are you focused on the souls of men?

Here are some biblical insights that I believe will encourage our eyes to stay fixed on the mission of Gospel and live with a consciousness of eternal souls:

The Mandate of Witnessing

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

We must remind ourselves that the gift of the Gospel is indeed very precious and the responsibility very great. Bringing souls to Jesus is not only a good suggestion, it is a command that Jesus has firmly placed into the hands of His followers.

Are we fulfilling the command to go and teach all nations? (Matthew 28:18-20)

The Management for Life

If we are going to effectively share our faith with others there must be some things that we rearrange to give the Gospel priority. Something must give. Sacrifices must be made to faithfully live a lifestyle of evangelism.

What’s the management that needs to take place in your life to make the work of the Gospel a priority again?

Notice this story in Acts chapter three and how Peter and John stopped and took the time for one that seemed to be so hopeless.

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Act 3:1-6)

I love that phrase, “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him...” In essence, Peter was identifying with the man’s need. He saw the man where he was and acknowledged the responsibility to do something about it.

There will be people in your life who are spiritually lame. They have no way to truth and live their life from the leftovers that the world gives. Maybe it is time to, like Peter, turn your attention to the need of your community or town and acknowledge the responsibility to give them the message of Jesus. Look your city in the eyes, take note of their needs, and preach in the name of Jesus Christ!

The Master’s Focus

Many of us know the story of the prodigal son and how he left the father’s house to flee into a far country. What an amazing story of God’s love and grace to those who fall into sin! But notice the few stories before the prodigal son in Luke 15. I believe it shows us even more of the Father’s focus and value of one soul.

First, we have the story of the shepherd who has 100 sheep, but one goes missing. What does he do? He leaves the ninety-nine to go and fetch the one. Out of one hundred, God still values ONE!

Secondly, we have the women who has ten coins but has lost one. What does she do? She turns the house upside down to find the one that is missing. Out of ten, God still values ONE!

Thirdly, we have a father that has two sons. One leaves the father’s care for the far country and the other stays home and misses the father’s heart. What does the father do? He waits patiently for his prodigal and welcomes him back home with open arms. Out of two, God still values ONE!

In a vast multitude of people, God still values ONE soul! There is not one that goes unnoticed. There is not one that slips His mind. Remember his journey to the women at the well? Jesus walked 60 miles out of the way to meet one woman who was lost in her sin!

How willing are we to step out by faith into the unknown, just for the sake of someone else’s eternity?

The Miracles of the Gospel

We must never forget the power of the Gospel! It is the very essence of all Christ can do to a hungry soul in desperate need of spiritual life! Remind yourself often of these miracles of the Gospel and let them motivate you to minister the benefits of God’s grace:

The Gospel saves a soul from Hell.

The Gospel gives hope in a hopeless world.

The Gospel gives meaning and purpose to life.

The Gospel brings unity to all who are divided.

The Gospel delivers JESUS into the life of a sinner!

The Gospel is not the end, it is the beginning! When you faithfully share Christ with the world, you are putting Christ in every situation in that person’s future.

Are you soul focused? Are you conscious of the men and women around you that need the Gospel?