When dealing with self-focus, we might ask, ‘What about Scriptures that tell us to stay alert? Aren’t they reminding us to keep an eye on ourselves?’ Let’s take a closer look at some of those passages that tell us to watch and stay alert. In Mark 13:34-37 we read: ‘A man going to a far country…left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming – in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning – lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!’ (NKJV). What Jesus was teaching here is the opposite of self-focus. The doorkeeper wasn’t to watch himself, but to watch for his returning master. Jesus expects us to forget ourselves, work conscientiously for His kingdom, and be watching and prepared for His return. He said, ‘They will be blessed when their master comes home, because he sees that they were watching. I tell you the truth, the master will dress himself to serve and tell the servants to sit at the table, and he will serve them.’ Far from obsessive self-introspection that leaves us exhausted, discouraged, and disappointed with ourselves, Jesus wants us to be excited and involved in His work here on earth, to actively watch for the coming again of your Lord and King. ‘Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other’ (Isaiah 45:22 NLT). So let’s lift our eyes from ourselves, and instead look to God.

What Now?

When you pray, do you tend to bow your head and look down towards yourself? Today, try praying with your head held high instead to remind yourself to focus on God.