Whatever we focus on is what we see. Consider that we have the ability to look at specific flowers in a garden of a variety of plants and flowers. If we choose to look at the roses for instance, all the other flowers fall out of focus, into the background, and into a place of less importance. We vaguely know they are there but that is not what is important to us. We are only seeing the beauty of the roses. The opposite is also true. If we choose to look at weeds around the plants, we will fail to see the beauty of the flowers. Our vision is consumed by the attention we are giving to the weeds with our focus.
This focus = vision principle applies to our lives as well. It explains why some folks only see problems, needs, and lack while others in the same set of circumstances can see solutions, supply and hopeful change. What we pay attention to becomes our meditation, our vision, our mind set. Even our life style is shaped by what we choose to look at. Our attitudes are shaped, our faith is established (or not), and our conversation is ordered by what we are looking at. Our vision is the result of our focus.
What have you been looking at? Picture a big pile of garbage with a small green plant in the middle of it. What is the most important thing you see? The garbage stinks, it is filthy, it is unsightly, it is unhealthy. The plant is small, just taking root, and surrounded by garbage. Now what would you do to help this plant grow? Those that are focused on the garbage will have a vision to declare how much of it is there, how bad it is for the plant, to pick at the garbage and to try to move it out of the way. If they continue with this focus, their vision to help the plant may well put the plant at risk. They will likely be jeopardizing the roots by digging around in the garbage. If this happens the plant will be stunted from the many times the roots are disturbed. On the other hand, those that are focused on the plant will find ways to nurture and water the plant and to help the plant grow. Eventually the plant will consume and out grow the garbage and in so doing so will be strong and healthy, well established and fruitful. Two different focuses, two different visions. Both trying to do the same thing but unlikely to obtain the same results.
Now here is a wonderful idea: Change your focus, change your vision. We are not stuck in the current vision of life and it's schematics. The Bible tells us that we have the freedom to choose our focus. No one is telling us what to look at. We are looking at what is important to us. The key here is to choose to look at ourselves and others in ways that will bring the blessings of the Lord to bear upon the relationships and circumstances in and around our lives.
God's word tells us how to see and what to focus on. The Holy Spirit will help us focus on the right things in the right ways and teach us what to do about what He shows us. And our part is to be willing to change our focus through first acknowledging that our focus is in the wrong place and on the wrong things. After that, our eyes will be opened up to see things differently.