Get in Focus

A while back I noticed that I seemed to be suffering headaches quite often. I wouldn’t be a usual sufferer of headaches, so when I was struck down for a few days with a migraine I got to thinking for possible causes. I spend a lot of time looking at computer and phone screens and decided to book in for an eye test.

It was only three years overdue.

Needless to say I left my eye test with a prescription for reading glasses. I have pretty exceptional sight, as the optician explained, the glasses were not to improve my sight as much as ease the tension and basically make my eyes work less to take in the same level of detail.

I wouldn’t have gone for an eye test if not for noticing that something was not quite right. How often is it when things start to go wrong that we look for solutions in faith? You see when everything is straightforward, we often forget about God, much like I forgot to get an eye test for three years, because I didn’t think I needed it. In hindsight though, I remember thinking from time to time that I ought to book that eye test, as I rubbed my tired eyes, or felt that dull ache in my head, but it wasn’t THAT big of a deal, so I put it off until I couldn’t put it off any longer.

I wonder how much easier things might have been for me if I’d gotten the glasses sooner? Just like I wonder sometimes how much easier our life would be if we turn to our faith sooner. How difficult do things have to get before we remember that God is there, our Rectors, pastors, Christian friends, they are all there, but sometimes maybe they are in the blurry periphery of our vision. Until we feel the pain. Until we feel the struggle.

I have glasses now, I’m wearing them as I write this, and it’s not an earth shattering difference, however it IS a difference. There’s no tightness, no discomfort, everything is just that little more in focus. Our Christian friends can be like these glasses, they can help ease pressure, we know they are there when we need them, and sometimes they help us focus on what is truly important. Some are even as trendy as my new specs!!!

How often do we push God to the periphery? We claim to be Christians but in actual fact, it has just become habitual. We attend church, we go to meetings, but how much are we actually invested in serving Christ? I guess it’s a bit like me getting my eyes tested, getting my glasses, even carrying them around with me, but not ever putting them on. I can SAY I wear glasses, but unless I actually wear them then nothing is better. Just like saying I am a Christian but not putting on the mantle Christ commands of me, not stepping up to serve in faith, not to be seen but to do because it is the will of our Father. It would not make sense for me to get my new glasses and pop the lenses out, sporting my pretty frames with no actual benefit. Just like it does not make sense for us to show outward symbols of faith, if we rarely turn to God. Wearing a cross, carrying or reading a bible, going to church, these acts do not make you a Christian. Giving your life over to God, asking Jesus into your heart, that is what makes you a Christian. But it doesn’t stop there. In fact that’s merely the start.

Like I need to remember to have regular checkups on my eyes, I also need to remember to have regular check ups in my faith.

When is the last time you gave yourself a spiritual eye test? When you look at situations in church, at home, out in the world, do you see them as God would see them, or is your vision a bit blurry? Has your vision shifted from what God wants to what YOU want?

Don’t be like me. Don’t wait until it starts to get difficult. Get in focus today.