Five Minute Focus
Focusing on God during the day
As Christ Followers, It is easy to think of our time with God as limited to attending worship, a Bible study group, and our devotional “quiet time.” These are times when we are specifically focused on God and our spiritual formation. These are normal functions in the lives of most Christ followers. But, I want to challenge you to expand your thinking - and your routine. Listen to what Mark tells us about Jesus calling and appointing the twelve apostles. “And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:13-14 ESV).
Notice that Mark says the reason Jesus called them was “that they might be with him.” The twelve were called by Jesus to become the “launching pad” for His Church. They would be a group of men that “turned the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6). But how did they make the impact that they did? It was, of course, through the power of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost. But they begin by being with Jesus! They were his apprentices (disciples) who lived with him day in and day out. They walked through the countryside with Him. They ate with Him. They observed all of his actions and words - public and private.
So, can we become apprentices to Jesus as they did? The answer is a resounding “YES!” We can spend time with Him outside of the times mentioned above that we “formally” spend in spiritual formation. But you are probably saying, “There is no way that I can be a monk in a monastery praying all day! I have a life. I have a family. I have a job. And I have hobbies and interests.” To which I think God would say, “That is good!” I think he says that a lot to us, even though we don’t realize it.
So, here is a starting point. It is what I call the “Five-Minute Focus on God.” Besides the formal times mentioned above, carve out five-minute blocks of time during the day to focus on God. Just five minutes! When you first wake up, when you’re eating a meal, during your commute to work, when you are waiting—in the doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store, etc., etc., etc. You get the idea.
Over the next few weeks, we will be taking a closer look at how to live out the Five Minute Focus commitment. The next post will look at an “Emmanuel Greeting”- how to use the very first five minutes of the day to focus on God. For now, some reflection and a prayer.
What do you think about seeing your life as a Christian as being “an apprentice to Jesus?”
How do you normally “waste” time during each day?
Where are there “five minutes” today when you can do nothing but focus on God?
Share some of your answers in the comment section below.
Lord Jesus, I desire more! I want to learn how to be with you more, become like you more, and do as you do more. Give me the desire and the willingness to learn from you each hour of each day.
Grace and Peace,