ADD!

ADD! No, I am not referring to a principle of mathematics. Nevertheless, what I want us to note today does impact the manner in which knowledge adds up. ADD is the medical abbreviation for "Attention Deficit Disorder" (also known as "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"). This condition is one primarily diagnosed among children who -- being characterized as being hyperactive -- have difficulty concentrating the FOCUS on one thing for very long. Such being the case they are easily distracted, flitting from one FOCUS to another, even exhibiting behavior that is impulsive or inappropriate.

Is such a challenge only among children? We live in a society of continually shifting focuses, ideologies, and values. People continued to follow the "experts" this way and then that way and who knows where such wandering will end! The result is what we might refer to as "intellectual" and even "spiritual" ADD.

When Paul was in Athens, he had the opportunity to speak to some gathered in the Areopagus. Why was this assembly taking place that provided a chance to share with them the truth of what they noted as the "unknown god"? ( Acts 17:23) We read. . .

"Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there WOULD SPEND THEIR TIME IN NOTHING EXCEPT TELLING OR HEARING SOMETHING NEW." ( Acts 17:21 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads: "(It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time DISCUSSING THE LATEST IDEAS.)" [NLT, © 1997, Tyndale House]

Their attention was always being caught by the latest thing. Perhaps we could say they had "hyperactive" minds with the FOCUS continually distracted by each new thing that came along. Such an "intellectual" quest has left many in the situation where they are always learning, but still not able to acknowledge what is true. (note 2 Timothy 3:7)

Our need is to find something stable on which to FIX OUR FOCUS so as to not be so easily distracted and led this way and that in this ever changing world. That anchor for our FOCUS is Jesus, since He "is the same yesterday and today and forever." (note Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus we read. . .
"(11) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (14) so that we may NO LONGER BE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." ( Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV)

Unless we retain a FIXED FOCUS on the truth of Jesus -- striving to exemplify Him in our life -- we will most likely be marked by impulsive or inappropriate behavior. Let us FOCUS on maturing in Christ! By doing so our life will add up to something truly meaningful now and for a blessed eternity!

Have a great day LIVING LIFE CONCENTRATED ON CHRIST!
Carl

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