Recently, I helped my younger daughter with some explanations on her homework. But her response surprised me; “Daddy, which school did you attend that made you know everything?” I humbly replied; “It’s not about the school I attended. It’s about the fact that I paid attention when I was taught. You also need to pay attention.” She got the message.
Friend, you need to pay attention. Sometimes, it is not about the school or church you attend. It is about the attention you give to life and learning (2 Timothy 3:7). Attendance without attention is another waste of precious time. You need to pay attention. You can be taught by the best teacher, pastored by the best pastor and mentored by the greatest coach; if you do not pay attention, you would still end up a failure.
Some people are so poor that they cannot even give attention. Until you give God your attention, He would not reveal His intention to you (Exodus 3:1-4). Until you give the right attention to God’s word, you cannot get the life and transformation it gives (John 8:31-32). It is with the same measure you give that would be measured back to you (Luke 6:38). It is your dedication that determines your distinction.
Apostle Paul told Timothy to give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13). He helped him to define his focus and attention. Sadly, a lot of people give attention to the wrong things. Some give attention to gossip. Others give attention to lies and deception (1 Timothy 1:4). It is what you give attention to that would determine how your life would turn out.
You are where you are today because of what you have been giving attention to. Stop giving attention to what other people are doing or not doing. Give attention to your own life and calling (SoS 1:6). Stay focused on your life and assignment. Give yourself wholly to it so that your progress and profiting can appear to all (1 Timothy 4:15, 2 Peter 1:10).
Perhaps you have been giving attention to what the enemy is doing (1 Peter 5:7-9). May be the stories you have heard about your family and background have been discouraging. Why not focus on your future? Why not shape the future by what you do today rather than attempting to change the past by worry? Remember, it is not about the school you attend, but about the attention you give. You need to pay attention. Is this clear enough?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria