“Let your eyes look directly forward and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”—Proverbs 4:25–27
“Stay focused.” Years ago when I was learning how to drive, my driving instructor implored me to turn off the radio, to pay attention to the road, and to stay focused. Those first few days of driver’s education behind the wheel were difficult for me. Any bright sign or clever billboard easily distracted my gaze. If I looked to the left for an extended period of time, the car I was driving would veer to the left. If I looked to the right for an extended period of time, my vehicle would veer to the right. For my safety and the safety of others on the road, I had to stay focused.
Already this year, the weather and news alerts have kept me on my toes. Whether it’s a polar vortex, a natural disaster, or another executive order from our current President, the distractions can be overwhelming. I know I should not ignore the alerts. I also know I cannot be consumed by them either. I must stay focused.
As a church, we must stay focused on the work God has called us to do. The news headlines, clever marketing ploys, and clickbait are all competing for our attention, and if we’re not careful, they might throw us off from the mission God has for us. The truth is that no matter what happens in the world, who the US President is, or what political party is in power, our mission at ELPC remains forefront: As a diverse community of believers, we show God’s unconditional love by providing refuge for spiritual growth, ardently pursuing justice, and extending Christ’s radical hospitality to all.
As followers of Jesus, we will always respond as needs arise, and we will stay focused on showing God’s unconditional love. As we recognize and celebrate Black History Month, we will lift up stories and the sacred value that people of African descent hold. We will also be inspired to follow Jesus even more, as we awaken one another to a deeper spirituality of love and liberation.
People of God, I suspect that many items are vying for your time and attention. Do not be easily distracted. Stay focused. Stay focused on Jesus.
Blessings,
—Pastor Michael