Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Evangelical
Relationships and Religion
Attention is a type of currency in the Christian life

Attention is a type of currency in the Christian life

Last updated on: August 20, 2024 at 7:39 am by Brad Vaughn

0 Comments

Attention is a type of currency in the Christian life 2024-07-14T13:49:56-07:00 Brad Vaughn

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

In today’s world, distractions are endless and time feels fleeting. And so, attention has become our most valuable asset–– currency, if you will. It shapes not only our daily lives but also our worldview and worship. Catherine Price aptly captures this reality with her assertion,

“Our lives are what we pay attention to.”

As Christians, this insight challenges us to consider carefully where we aim our focus. Paying attention isn’t at all passive; it’s an active choice that reveals our priorities, guides our decisions, and shapes our spiritual walk.

The Importance of Attention

Attention goes beyond mental focus; it mirrors our deepest values and priorities. What we choose to focus on reveals much about what we hold dear.

For instance, a person who devotes significant time and energy to their career may prioritize professional success, while another who focuses on family life might value relationships above all else. This concept holds for our so-called “spiritual lives” as well. The way we allocate our attention can either draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him.

As someone with ADHD, I’ve experienced firsthand the trade-offs associated with attention. Our attention is a finite resource. Choosing to focus on one thing invariably means neglecting others. This reality compels us to make conscious decisions about where we direct our mental and emotional energy.

In this light, attention becomes a critical aspect of our spiritual discipline. By intentionally focusing on following the Lord, we can transform our motivations, schedules, habits, and ultimately, our character.

Biblical Foundations

Scripture highlights the critical need to direct our focus toward God. In Psalm 1:2, we read about the righteous person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. This continuous meditation reflects a life centered on God’s word. Similarly, Jesus instructs His followers in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” emphasizing the priority of focusing on God’s kingdom above all else.

We find inspiring examples in Scripture of individuals who maintained an unwavering focus on God. Daniel’s practice of praying three times a day (Daniel 6:10) demonstrates a disciplined focus on God amidst the pressures of a demanding political career.

Paul’s relentless pursuit of knowing Christ and making Him known (Philippians 3:10-14) exemplifies a life centered on the mission of God. These examples challenge us to consider where our own attention lies and how it aligns with our spiritual goals.

Attention in Everyday Life

The concept of attention extends beyond our spiritual practices to encompass every single aspect of our lives. Our daily decisions and actions are profoundly influenced by what we focus on. Prioritizing time with family over work can strengthen relationships and foster a nurturing home environment. Conversely, an excessive focus on career advancement might lead to neglecting personal health or meaningful relationships.

For Christians, directing our attention toward God means integrating our faith into each aspect of our lives. It involves recognizing that our work, leisure, relationships, and even our struggles are arenas where we can experience and reflect God’s presence. When we focus on God, we begin to see our daily tasks and interactions as opportunities for worship and service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attention is a powerful currency that shapes our lives in countless ways. For Christians, it is an essential aspect of our spiritual discipline, reflecting our values and priorities.

By intentionally directing our focus toward God, we align our lives with His purposes and experience transformation in our motivations, habits, and character. The Bible provides us with an array of teachings and examples that highlight the importance of maintaining a Godward focus.

As we navigate the distractions and demands of modern life, let us remember the wisdom of Catherine Price and the biblical mandate to fix our eyes on Jesus. By doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also gain clarity and purpose in every aspect of our lives. Let us strive to make God the primary focus of our attention, allowing His presence to shape and guide us in all that we do.

Relationships and Religion

Culture (General)

attention

worship

Previous Post

August 6, 2024

“I’ll be wherever you call me.”

Next Post

September 3, 2024 From Distraction to Focus on Jesus

Recent Comments

0 | Leave a Comment

"A thoughtful and thought-provoking article that raises important questions about the challenges facing the Western ..."

amelia854taylor

The War on the Western Church

"to fit social or religious expectations. Especially women, who were expected to sacrifice everything to ..."

shay049ana

3 reasons you should not be ..."

"Powerful reminder short, sturdy truths can lose their weight if treated as slogans. The solas ..."

daniel603maclise

How Western Individualism Quietly Undermines the ..."

"If 'America’s deepest crisis is not merely political. It is moral and spiritual.' is in ..."

klatu

The Real Crisis Beneath America’s Social ..."

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Atonement Biblical Theology Book Reviews China Chinese Church Chinese Culture Chinese Language Collectivism Contextualization Culture (General) Ecclesiology Evangelism Gospel Honor & Shame (Face) Interpretation/Exegesis Justification/Righteousness Missiology Mission Methods One Gospel for All Nations Other Practical Contextualization Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes Resources Romans Salvation (General) Saving God's Face Seeking God's Face The Cross in Context Theological Contextualization Theological Education Theology Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

True or False: God created the world in seven days.

Select your answer to see how you score.

FALSE TRUE

Books by This Author Books by Brad Vaughn

See All Titles »