May I Have Your Attention, Please?

The Preacher approaches the pulpit every Sunday with the hope that he can catch the attention of the people to whom he will be speaking. Little kids, teenagers, husbands and wives are constantly seeking the attention of each other. Good, competent teachers in public, private and home schools know that the attention of the students is “everything.” The advertisers on TV, or via the mail, or online, recognize that if they do not get the attention of their audience, they are in big trouble.

This Christmas season, along with your search for just the right gift for those around you, think carefully about the genuinely most important gift you can give them. I am convinced that giving our attention to our family and friends, not just during these few days, but every day, at every opportunity, is the best gift we can give.

What about your attention to God? Does He have it? This is a Season where many people believe they are giving attention to Him, but it is only in relationship to the  unrealistic focus that fits the foolishness of our Society during these few days in December. Scripture is clear that our focus on giving God our attention is a daily joy 365 days a year. Most people who diligently seek Him have long ago passed the “only on Sunday morning” concept that such is satisfactory. We have come to realize that our attention is mandatory every day, all day, because he is the Power of life, the joy of victory, and the Sustainer of peace and happiness.

This year make your greatest gift to others your attention. Focus it on your family, your employer, your teachers, and your friends. And by all mean, focus it clearly on the Giver of Life, and all thing in it. It will make for a very Merry Christmas!