“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” (Hebrews 2:1, ESV)

‘Brian! Pay attention!’ A phrase I’ve heard many times in my life. More than just teachers have hurled it at me. I’ve often lobbed it at myself seeking to wake from a distracted stupor.  

I would like to think I’m skilled in the art of focus. But I’m not, I get drawn away. I’d like to turn my ability of extreme distraction into a virtue of focus. Even so, it isn’t considered a talent to focus on nothing. Zoning out and drifting away from the task at hand isn’t good for anyone.I make excuses for myself, others make excuses for me, and I make excuses for others. I appreciate the compassion of others. It’s nice to know people care. 

However, my compulsive personality won’t let go of a simple fact—God has told us to pay attention. Over and again followers of Christ are called to faithfully pay attention to what we have heard, so that we don’t wander away from it. 

Wandering is easy. It doesn’t take any focus, or faith. Moving about in life without any grounded course, aim, or goal doesn’t require much more than a pulse. Yet when we come to faith in Jesus Christ there is a course of life we are called to walk. The follower of Christ does not idly ramble about. 

Christ focuses us on Him, and in Christ we are called to have Him as our very life. The Scriptures are replete with the message of pay attention, and seek the things that are above. 

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1, ESV)