Pastor's Corner: Stay focused on Jesus

Greetings in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

The song, “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus,” was not my favorite when it first was released. However, the message of the song provides helpful guidance.

"Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against ever so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you this? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8

When we were taught to shoot a rifle, it was impressed on us to be aware of things around and beyond the shooting area to avoid any unintended harm. We were reminded of the need to stay focused on the “target” and not be distracted. If distracted by other things, we would likely miss the “target.”

When taught to drive a tractor, the same awareness of things around was essential. We were likewise taught the need to be focused on a fixed goal ahead in order to maintain a steady, straight course across the field.

We need to stay focused on Jesus to travel the course of this life. Yes, being aware of distractions, false teaching, false gods or objects of worship is necessary.

Making our way “safely to the other shore” is not dependent on awareness of the dangers and distractions, too much attention to dangers and distractions can lead to shipwreck.

We need to live, “One Day at a Time” with Jesus as His Holy Spirit guides and empowers us along the way. God’s Spirit teaches and reminds us, the Lord Jesus is the one who defeats the lawless one who would deceive and defeat us by any means or distraction possible. Jesus assures us we have his promise to overcome in him: “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

It is wise to be aware of dangers and distractions, false leaders, and troubles that may cause shipwreck. Wiser still to focus on Jesus whose Word teaches: “Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but whose delight is in the law (word) of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

Be watchful and alert this harvest season and stay focused on Jesus!

In Jesus.

Rev. Paul Wier pastors at First United Methodist Church, Fairbury

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Rev. Paul Wier Pastor's Corner: Stay focused on Jesus