Can We Loose Focus on What We Are?
I think the answer to that question is yes. It seems that day by day the cares of life draw us away from our focus as believers on Christ. When Jesus gave the interpretation of the Sower he indicated that (for the case of the seed sown amongst the thorns) it was the worry of the world and wealth that kept the seed from sprouting.
Matthew 13:22 - “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."
When the Lord told the Israelites in the wilderness that they needed to stay in the Word of God, to teach it to their children, and to have it everywhere around them (doorposts of the house) He told them to watch themselves.
Deuteronomy 6:12-15 - "[12] then watch yourself, that you do not forget the LORD who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of *slavery. [13] “You shall *fear only the LORD your God; and you shall *worship Him and swear by His name. [14] “You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, [15] for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will *wipe you off the face of the earth."
It is interesting that we can be drawn away from the Lord when everything is going good for us. It seems that the Lord needs to bring adversity into our lives so that we can once again focus on the right things. When we focus on the Lord and who He is, then we see ourselves in light of who we are. This is true Fear of the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - "[13] The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."
- LW
Matthew 13:22 - “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."
When the Lord told the Israelites in the wilderness that they needed to stay in the Word of God, to teach it to their children, and to have it everywhere around them (doorposts of the house) He told them to watch themselves.
Deuteronomy 6:12-15 - "[12] then watch yourself, that you do not forget the LORD who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of *slavery. [13] “You shall *fear only the LORD your God; and you shall *worship Him and swear by His name. [14] “You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, [15] for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will *wipe you off the face of the earth."
It is interesting that we can be drawn away from the Lord when everything is going good for us. It seems that the Lord needs to bring adversity into our lives so that we can once again focus on the right things. When we focus on the Lord and who He is, then we see ourselves in light of who we are. This is true Fear of the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - "[13] The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."
- LW