You Become What You Watch

We have a tendency to focus on all the things in life that happen or exist outside of our control. You can’t control the weather, you can’t control other people, you can’t even control when your hair turns gray or turns loose. You did not choose where you would be born or to whom. You had not part to play in your genetic make-up or your siblings or even your kindergarten teacher. You do not control the drivers in the other lane or the barista taking forever to make your black coffee.

But, it turns out, none of those things matter as much about who you become as you might think. The things outside of our control are more excuses than they are causes. The things I cannot control become perfect excuses for my bad behavior or my lack of commitment or initiative.

How do I know?

I am often tempted to blame my kids for my short temper or slow drivers for making me late or even others around me for distracting me from the task I need to accomplish.

I can be an expert excuse-maker.

But I have great news. The things outside of your control are not the most important things in your life. The things outside of your control do not have to be the most formative things in your life.

Who you become is your choice and it is within your control. Brant Hansen writes it this way:

Who we become is a direct result of what we pay attention to.

Consider the way Paul encourages,

 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:2; 17

As it turns out, you have a lot to say in how you turn out. Your future is not determined because of your past. You will become that which captures your attention. Is your attention set on the things of God, you will look like God. Is your attention captured by your family, you will probably love them well.

Your attention is valuable and it is transformative. Don’t waste it.

Where do you spend your attention? That is what you will become. The focus of your attention is transforming you.

Joshua spoke to the Israelites before they crossed into the promised land with these words,

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

Do you notice what Joshua says? He urges Israel to choose where they will direct their attention. They could choose to become like people around them, or they could be re-formed in the image and likeness of the Lord.

You don’t have to be a victim. But, if you choose to dwell on your past and on the things in your life you cannot control, you will become a victim. You become that which you pay attention to.

You become what you watch. You become what you dwell upon. So, set your mind on things that are above, and watch God transform your life.

Photo by Stephen Kraakmo on Unsplash