July 6, 2025

Pastor Dan Olson

Undivided Attention—We live in a world where a thousand things are competing for our attention. There is the real danger that we focus on the frivolous and ignore the indispensable. As a result, we often talk about the importance of being “free from distraction.” But the stakes are higher than that. We need to be freed from distraction. We need the spiritual power to give our undivided attention to that which truly makes a difference, not only here and now, but also in eternity. A life focused on all the right things is only possible because of a Savior who is always focused on us. On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give his followers power and focus. Still today, through his Word, Jesus grants those gifts to his disciples.
 The Want for Workers— In recent weeks we learned that everyone who has seen the grace of God will, whenever the opportunity arises, serve as a witness for Christ. However, Scripture teaches that there is also a need for individuals for whom gospel proclamation is their full-time focus. There are many different terms for these workers: shepherds, pastors, teachers, ministers, missionaries, etc. These workers are called by God himself through the Church to proclaim law and gospel in some public capacity. Called workers carry out their calling, not because of what they might gain from the flock, but because of what the flock might gain from Jesus through public ministry. Jesus taught there will always be a want for such workers. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2). So, this is a topic worthy of our undivided attention.
 
Undivided Attention—The Want for Workers