Through the Gift of God’s Mercy, Give Attention to What Matters Most
Attention is a sign of sincere repentance. Attention is the peel of the soul to itself, hatred of the world innocent towards God. Attention is renunciation of sin and acquisition of virtue. Attention is an underlying certainty of the remission of sins. Attention is the beginning of contemplation or rather it’s necessary condition for through attention God comes close and reveals himself to the mind. Attention is serenity of the mind, or rather, it’s standing firmly planted and not wondering. Through the gift of God‘s mercy, attention means cutting off thoughts. It is the abode of remembrance of God and the treasure house of the power to endure all that may come.
—Nicephorous
Profitable Discourses on Sobriety
Nicephorus used the word attention. Today, we might better recognize the word focus in this setting. Either way, the most important component of attention or focus is its object; Who are we paying attention to? Who are we focused on? Who or what are we allowing to sway our hearts and minds? James 1:5 reads, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Then in verse 6, the text cautions, But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. This speaks of our focus, or attention. It reminds me of the great old hymn:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
Fix your eyes upon your God and Savior! —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics