Christ at the Center: 4 ways to remain Jesus-focused in secular culture

Article By Tammy Hoshkins // EEW Magazine // Inspiration

It is pretty shocking to see how corrupt our world has become, with many losing their moral compass and succumbing to the pleasures secularism offers.

2 Timothy 3:2 paints a vivid picture of what secular society looks like: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.”

But you don’t have to be this way. Here are 4 guaranteed ways to stay Jesus-focused in an increasingly secular society:

#1 Meditate on the Word. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

In a world that is utterly obsessed with everything but Jesus, this scripture challenges you to shift your focus to the word of God, which is all about Christ, the Savior of the world. You should talk about scripture, think about it and strive to obey it. Not only will this help you to keep Christ at the center of everything you do, it will also position you to be prosperous in the things God has called you to do.

 #2 Keep your eye on the prize. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14, NIV)

As a Christian, you are simply a sojourner, passing through this world, on your way to your true home in heaven. You should be so busy focusing on your goal of knowing Christ more intimately, serving Him more faithfully and devoting your life to Him more fully, that you don’t have time to be hindered or distracted by the foolishness of this world. Keep your eyes on the prize— perfect fellowship with Christ who has granted you eternal life.

#3 Have a one-track mind. “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4, NIV)

Focus on one thing: dwelling in the presence of God. In His presence is joy, peace, strength and favor. In His presence, you are transformed into the image of Christ. You experience a beautiful metamorphosis, and when others see you, your light will shine brighter. When they inquire about what makes you different, then you can effectively witness and let them know you have been with Jesus!

#4 Pray the Father’s will. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NIV)

When you pray these words, you’ll be praying the way Jesus instructed His disciples to pray (See Matthew 6:9-15). Let your heart’s desire, above all things, be to see the Kingdom of God established on earth. Earnestly desire that His will be done in your life and throughout the world. When you make this request, God hears and answers.

As you see, the word of God helps keep you focused on the right things as it strengthens your walk of faith.

If you repeatedly do what is mentioned here, you will continually grow and flourish like a fruitful tree, even as others who reject the Word fall by the wayside.

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