The Right Focus
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” Philippians 4:8
When the Alaskan Pipeline was being constructed in the 70’s, many Texans went to Alaska to work on the pipeline alongside the Inuit native Alaskans. However, the Texans could only work a few hours in the frigid weather, while the Inuits could easily work for hours on end.
Some scientists decided to do a study to find out why the Inuits could withstand the weather while the Texans struggled. The study concluded there were no physiological differences between the Inuits and the Texans. Then the scientists conducted a psychological study and discovered the difference. The Inuits experienced the cold, but clearly understood that a job needed to be done. With that mindset, they focused intently on obtaining results rather than how the weather affected them. On the other hand, the Texans were so focused on the cold weather that it became their overriding experience of the situation, monopolizing their attention and energy and crippling their capacity to work.
When Apostle Paul wrote the words in Philippians 4:8 about meditating on those things which are good etc. he was in prison. Yet he clearly had been training himself not to focus on his external circumstances but on everything good, noble and praiseworthy, and especially the Lord Himself!
Paul was no stranger to discomfort or the temptation it brings. But he had learned well that his inward attitude toward difficult external circumstances could dramatically affect the way he experienced them and also his capacity to function in spite of them.
When you focus on how bad things are – the trials, temptations, and the circumstances that surround you – you will only be crippled by the amount of attention you give to them.
Rather, focus on the Lord, His Word, His promises, His deliverance, and everything good He has done, and will do, and you will work like the Inuits triumphant despite the weather.