Tuesdays with Abraham

Read Genesis 24:32-33 – Then the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.” And he said, “Speak on.” (NKJV)

In a world where we can be bombarded by images and attractions from a thousand different directions, focus can be difficult to achieve. It’s easy to be distracted. We even have categorized the learning difficulties associated with our distractions into labels like ADD, ADHD and so on. Clearly, our visual world has come with a price. But focus remains critical. Often our ability to achieve the right goals is completely dependent on our capacity to focus. In this story, Abraham’s servant demonstrates focus. Though he is surrounded by the wealth and hospitality Rebekah’s family offers, he won’t engage these benefits until he fulfills his assignment. That determination proves valuable later as her family seeks to delay his departure with their daughter. Focus may be a dying art, but it remains a critical component for those who will live effectively.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.