Here at Every Man Ministries we’ve been thinking about what really has our attention? Here’s a quick test to see, and be honest with yourself:
Rank the following topics in order of importance of what has your attention (1 being highest, 10 is lowest):
Sports
News/Politics
Business
Weather
Family
Friends/Women
Health
Money
Entertainment
Other _____________
As you can see, there are a lot of things competing for our attention, and perhaps you vary the rankings on a daily basis. After all, life is full of surprises. If your life’s focus had a target, and each concentric circle represents an area or topic you focus on, what’s in the bulls-eye? Here’s one “SPOT” to think about:
S — Seek first the kingdom of God.
- “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
As the world throws distraction at you, it can blur the promise given to us. By seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, we not only get our priority in life right, but we will be rewarded.
P — Pursue righteousness, not riches.
- “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” — 1 Timothy 6:9-11
Notice how being “eager for money” can send us wandering from the faith. I realize God’s men must work and earn a living to provide for our family and future. But there’s a difference between eagerness and willingness. We need to be willing to serve and earn a living, while pursuing righteousness. How?
O — Overcome temptation.
- “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee” from the money trap. Flee from the desires of your youth. The old hymn says to “overcome evil with good.” In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we get clarity, that “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Jesus taught us to ask God to “not lead us into temptation.” And, the Bible says to “Watch” for temptation so we can avoid it.
T — Take hold of eternal life.
- “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
We have a choice about where we put our energy, and the Bible says to “take hold” of our identity as heirs to the kingdom of God. Whatever commands your identity, will command your energy. Since God’s men are royalty in the kingdom of God, our energy should be spent on what’s important to God. Love God. Love others. To do that, we have to keep our eyes on the right SPOT.
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Kenny Luck is an ECPA Platinum Award Winning and Best Selling Author of twenty three books for men. His latest book, “Dangerous Good: The Coming Revolution of Men Who Care” (NavPress) will be released in August 2018. As a thought leader and expert on men and culture, Kenny is called by God to revolutionize men’s ministry, free men spiritually, and empower men’s movement worldwide. God is using Kenny to reach over a hundred thousand men each week through the Every Man radio show in Los Angeles and the worldwide LIVESTREAM of his weekly men’s meeting via Every Man Ministries on Facebook. Kenny and his wife Chrissy have been married 29 years, are parents to three awesome millenials.
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