The Glass of Water: A Lesson in Focus
The Glass of Water: A Lesson in Focus
A powerful story circulating in Christian circles beautifully illustrates the importance of keeping our focus on Christ. It goes like this:
A woman approached her pastor, declaring she would no longer attend the church. When asked why, she listed a litany of complaints: she had witnessed gossip, hypocrisy, and people on their phones during service. The wise pastor listened patiently, then made an unusual request.
He asked the woman to take a full glass of water and walk around the church three times without spilling a drop. Thinking it an easy task, she agreed. Upon completing the challenge, the pastor asked if she had noticed anyone gossiping, any hypocrites, or people on their phones during her walk. Surprised, she admitted she hadn't seen any of those things.
"You know why?" the pastor explained. "You were focused on the glass, making sure you didn't stumble and spill any water. It's the same with our life. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we don't have time to see the mistakes of others."
This simple yet profound parable reminds us of the transformative power of focusing on Christ. When we fix our gaze on Jesus, the distractions and imperfections of others fade into the background. As Hebrews 12:2 instructs us:
"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
By redirecting our attention to Christ, we not only protect ourselves from being hurt by others' actions but also prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of judgment and criticism.
Call to Action:
This week, challenge yourself to a "Glass of Water Focus." Each time you feel tempted to criticize or gossip, visualize yourself carefully carrying that full glass of water. Let it remind you to redirect your focus to Christ.
- Spend time daily meditating on Hebrews 12:2, asking God to help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
- Journal about how this shift in focus changes your perspective and interactions with others in your church community.
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