What have you been giving your attention to lately?
It’s a simple question, but if we’re honest, it reveals so much about the condition of our hearts. What we consistently pay attention to is what begins to shape us, influence us, and eventually consume us.
Have you ever watched something on TV, then gone to sleep and dreamed about it? Or spent your day thinking about something so much that it followed you into your quiet moments? That’s because whatever we allow into our minds doesn’t just pass through, it settles in.
The same is true spiritually.
If we constantly feed ourselves with the things of this world, distractions, negativity, comparison, temptation, then those things will begin to take root within us. But when we intentionally turn our focus toward God, something begins to shift. Our thoughts become aligned with His truth, our hearts become softened, and our desires begin to change.
In Epistle of James 4:8, we are given a powerful invitation: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a promise. The moment we take a step toward God, He responds.
But James also reminds us that friendship with the world puts us at odds with God. That may sound strong, but it simply means this: we can’t live fully connected to God while being deeply rooted in the ways of the world. There will always be tension when we try to hold on to both.
The truth is, many of us find ourselves in that place, wanting God, but also wanting certain habits, mindsets, or comforts that pull us away from Him. This is what the Bible calls being double-minded, torn between two directions, unstable in our walk.
Yet God is not asking us for perfection, He’s asking us for surrender.
Jesus already did the hard part. He came, He died, and He rose again. Now He is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us, to guide us, convict us, and draw us closer to Him daily.
But we have a responsibility too.
We must be mindful of what we allow into our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. The Holy Spirit lives within us, and while He never abandons us, we can grieve Him when we continually fill ourselves with things that oppose God’s nature. That’s why we are called to live set apart, to pursue holiness not out of obligation, but out of love and reverence for Him.
The Word also tells us to resist the devil, and he will flee from us. That means we have authority, but we must use it. Resisting isn’t passive; it’s intentional. It requires us to turn away from what pulls us down and turn toward the One who lifts us up.
We cannot serve two masters. At some point, a decision must be made.
So today, ask yourself honestly:
Who or what am I really drawing near to?
God is always near, always waiting, always ready to receive us. But drawing closer to Him requires intentionality. It requires time set aside, moments of stillness, a heart that says, “Lord, I choose You again and again.”
When you begin to prioritize His presence, you will notice the difference. The things that once consumed you will lose their grip. Your mind will become clearer. Your spirit will become stronger. And your relationship with God will become more real than ever before.
This is not about religion, it’s about relationship. A daily, growing, intimate connection with your Father.
And it starts with one decision.
Reflection Questions
- What has been consuming most of my thoughts and attention lately?
- Are there areas in my life where I am trying to hold on to both God and the world?
- What is one practical step I can take today to intentionally draw closer to God?
Prayer
Lord, please help us to seek You intentionally and not the things of this world. Open our eyes to recognize what has been distracting us and pulling us away from You. Help us to understand that the pleasures of this world are temporary, but Your presence is everlasting.
Create in us a desire to know You more, to spend time with You, and to draw closer to You daily. Strengthen us to resist temptation and to walk in alignment with Your will.
Lord, we choose You today. Have Your way in our hearts, our minds, and our lives. Help us to experience You more than ever before.
In Jesus’ name, amen.