Use the Focus, Luke!

Bill Brown ... Xiamen University
"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14

"With my eyes fixed on the goal..." Phil. 3:14

Meixia Arts Company, Xiamen's first solely foreign-owned company, can use water to cut straight through glass, or even thick steel, because the water's powerful force is focused through a tiny diamond jet. Of course, even slow water can cut through rock over centuries but you and I don't have that long. If we want to be used to bring change, we need to focus like Meixia's water jets.

The Light and the Lense When Jesus said we are the light of the world, he did not mean that we ourselves are the light but that the world sees our Father's Light in us, or through us. We are the lense through which that Light shines, and we can diffuse that light so that it casts as many shadows as illumination, or we can be like the light of a laser, which like water is can cut through glass or rock or steel if it has direction, or focus. The key, as with water, is force and focus.

"Use the Force, Luke!" As least that's what Obi Wan told Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. But it is not an impersonal "force" but a personal Father, and we are not using him; he is using us--but we are not much use to him if we do not allow ourselves to be directed and focused to reach His ends.

"Use the Focus, Bill!" While the power is our Father's, the focus depends much on us. When Meixia first installed their water-cutter, someone installed the expensive diamond jet upside down, destroying it. The expensive machine and the power behind it was useless until they spent thousands replacing the diamond jet.

We need to be sure we are properly prepared, ready, and focused, in order that our Father may work through us. But it is hard to focus in this day of e-mail, cell phones and internet. We are busier and busier. There are so many good things that can be done, and need to be--but not all good things are the best things. Is is far better to do a few things well, and make a difference, than to do many things poorly, and make no difference.

Not even Jesus tried to do everything. He carefully picked only twelve to disciple. He preached to some crowds but avoided others, healed some people but not others. He chose his battles carefully, and walked away from those not in accord with his focus and purpose. He did not just pour himself out but focused his energy, thought and heart in those areas that were, too him, most important.

I know some will argue that we should not "narrow" ourselves, that we should be "instant in and out of season," and "be all things to all people." There is some point to that, of course--but that can also be an excuse for not putting in the effort and persistence to accomplish the things that our Father has specifically called us to. We each have special abilities and inclinations, and should use them. If we don't wisely focus and use what we have, it will be given to others. (Matthew 24:14-30).
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