Concentration:  The act or process of concentrating:  the state of being concentrated; especially: direction of attention to a single object.  —Merriam-Webster

Today I was reminded of how a life of concentrating on does, don’ts, do this’es and do thats, while trying to show my love for God by being obedient to all the “rules,” can and does actually result in the opposite–a joyless life–(another way to put it is, we become the “frozen chosen”).  Self-condemnation, discouragement, overwhelming situations–a life of defeat and very little joy–are a result of concentrating on myself, my plans and my efforts.  Why is that?

I’d like to propose it’s what/who we’re concentrating on.  The takeaway of today’s devotional was–the lack of an emphasis of concentrating on God will leave me over-burdened by my work(s).  I become a slave to my own limitations and there is no freedom of body, mind, or spirit.  Consequently, I become burned out and defeated.

With God the possibilities are limitless.

There is no freedom and no delight in life at all.  His nerves, mind, and heart are so overwhelmed that God’s blessing cannot rest on him.  —Oswald Chambers

St. Augustine said it like this,

Love God and do as you please!

For the sake of my illustration I’d say it like this, “Concentrate on God and what you do will please God.”  As a result:

. . . all the limits of our life are free and under the control and mastery of God alone.  There is no longer any responsibility on you for the work(s).

Life becomes limitless–an adventure.  Stay focused people–LIVE FREE