There are four levels of focus that correspond to four dimensions of personal discipline:

► The discipline of the body, which activates physical and sensory focus;
► The discipline of the brain, which activates intellectual focus;
► The discipline of the heart, which governs moral focus and oversees all physical inputs and outputs—this includes both the lips and private parts;
► The discipline of the spirit, which enables focus on heavenly things—on what is above.

These are the four levels of a human being’s ultimate focus: physical and sensory focus, intellectual focus, inner (moral) focus, and spiritual focus. In what areas of your life do you believe—or recognize—that you have lost focus? Because it will be impossible for you to fully and honorably accomplish your purposes on earth and in heaven without MAXIMUM FOCUS here and now.

Many are scattered. Others are disturbed. Despite their efforts to remain physically or morally focused, they fail to sustain spiritual focus. And those who manage to maintain spiritual focus often seem weak in intellectual focus. A wise balance across all four dimensions is essential.

However, never forget that bodily discipline lies at the heart of your moral, inner, and spiritual performance. And this discipline goes far beyond a simple routine. On the other hand, without a high dose of spiritual focus, there’s a strong chance you’ll give up your life’s battles along the way.

I’m writing to those who have given up or are about to give up. Do not let go of anything. It’s time to rise and refocus on what truly matters: your destiny and the plans God has placed in your heart. Then you will enter the cloud of those who lived by faith; you will walk with them without ever faltering again. It is written:

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” (Hebrews 11:1, Sower’s Version)

No hero of the Scriptures ever accomplished great exploits without focus. On the contrary, when they lost discipline, some lost their entire ministry. Thus, YOUR LEVEL OF FOCUS ON THE GOAL DETERMINES THE PATH OF YOUR WALK WITH GOD.

Do not seek glory, appreciation, or human approval. Do what your God asks of you with joy in your service. It is said of Moses that by faith, he gave up his privileges to pursue the goal. What privileges (comforts) are you enjoying that are preventing you from fully entering into a deep walk with your Creator, GOD?

I see sleeping evangelists, chained pastors, fleeing missionaries, defeated prophets, and frightened apostles—wives of men of God who are drowning. Where is your faith? Do your actions reflect your calling? Moses considered that:

“Suffering disgrace for the sake of Christ was of greater value than the treasures of Egypt.” (Hebrews 11:26)

Enduring divine humiliation opens the door to far greater, far superior, and far higher opportunities. Beloved in the Lord, there are riches that far surpass everything you’ve gained in this present world and that are preventing you from fully using the divine gift planted in you.

Lift up your weak hands, strengthen your feeble knees, create a straight path for your race, and go forth to conquer the world: start with your neighborhood, your social media friends, your family, your coworkers. Then take the second step—your nation. Then the third—the nations of the world, until the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Do not forget that the patriarchs and the prophets died without having received what had been promised to them during their lifetime (Hebrews 11:13). But through their faith, they were deemed pleasing to God. Isaiah prophesied that a Virgin would give birth to a child who would be called Emmanuel. It took centuries for that prophecy to come true—long after Isaiah had decayed in the ground. Some acts you perform for God won’t benefit you directly but will benefit your descendants—those who come after you. Think of them!

You might be the beginning of a great story with God. The story of your family might begin with you—if you decide not to give up in the face of suffering. Suffering is part of the daily journey of the heroes of faith. That’s why it is also written:

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what child is not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” (Hebrews 12:7)

Don’t be an illegitimate child of the Kingdom. Embrace faith and fight your battles nobly—against the altars of your family and neighborhood, against immorality, theft, lying, rebellion, gossip, procrastination, laziness, unfaithfulness, disobedience, contempt for others, mockery, insults, greed, passivity, mediocrity, violence, unwillingness to forgive, shame about preaching the Gospel, etc.

As a child of God, these “small sins” or “harmless sins” will make you a prisoner of this world, dreading the terrifying judgment and fiery punishment that will consume all who have rebelled against God—even after becoming Christians (Hebrews 10:27)…

This text is an excerpt from the book “THE DESERT CROSSING” written by Jean-Paul Marie (Pastor Samuel Binyou).

We invite you to read the next article: “THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

STAY FOCUSED! STAY FOCUSED! STAY FOCUSED! STAY FOCUSED!