Where is your focus?

Matthew 14:22-32
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

I use a reading plan to determine what portion of the Word I read for the day, it sets up a schedule that would have you finish the Bible in a year. Within that reading the Holy Spirit will point out a specific passage, something that catches my eye and teaches me. Today, outside of my reading plan, the Lord put this story into my mind to remind, encourage and teach me.

This account of Peter reminds me of how human our vision can be spiritually. It's a simple story that we've heard so many times, Peter joins Jesus walking on the water, takes his focus off of Jesus and begins to sink. This passage is generally used to remind Christians that they shouldn't focus on the world, rather Jesus. But I want to remind you that there are other 'Christian' things that can take our attention away from Jesus also. They can be the things we are called to do, however they become or focal point instead of a temporal or occasional duty. 

Examples: 
We are called to watchfully protect the church from false doctrine - but have we become so captivated by fear that our focus is on the unsound and not on Jesus?

We are called to be unified - but are we so consumed with getting along that we refuse to lovingly correct and rebuke in order to achieve true unity as Jesus teaches us?

We are called to live holy lives - but are we so consumed rules that become legalistic?

It seems to me that God calls us to having a balanced life, one of contentment as Paul teaches. That balance begins with keeping our focus on Jesus. We want to continue learning who He is, praying and working and being worked on so that our character becomes like his character (sanctification). Don't be distracted by the things around, whether good or bad. Keep your focus on Jesus.