The other day, I was helping my daughter with homework. She looked up and asked, “Daddy, which school did you attend that made you know everything?”
I smiled and said, “It’s not about the school. It’s about paying attention when I was taught. You need to pay attention, too.” She got it.
Friend, attendance is not enough. You need to pay attention. Sometimes it’s not the school or church you attend. It’s the attention you give to life and learning (2 Timothy 3:7). Attendance without attention is wasted time. You can sit under the best teacher, pastor, or coach. Without attention, you will still miss it.
Some people are too poor to give attention. Until you give God your attention, He won’t reveal His intention (Exodus 3:1-4). Until you give His Word attention, you won’t see its life and power (John 8:31-32). The measure you give is the measure you get back (Luke 6:38). Dedication creates distinction.
Paul told Timothy, “Give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). He defined his focus. Sadly, many give attention to gossip, lies, and distractions (1 Timothy 1:4). What you give attention to shapes your life. Your today is the result of your past attention.
Stop watching other people’s lives. Give attention to your own calling and assignment (Song of Solomon 1:6). Stay focused. Give yourself wholly to your purpose and destiny so your progress is evident to all (1 Timothy 4:15, 2 Peter 1:10).
Perhaps you’ve been focused on the enemy (1 Peter 5:7-9). Your background stories have discouraged you. Why not shape your future with today’s choices instead of trying to change the past with worry (Micah 7:8)? Remember: It’s not about the school. It’s about attention. Attendance is not enough. You need to pay attention.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria