Faith in Jesus makes up the Mechanics of Life.

Pete said, “Master, if it’s really you, order me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.  But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink. (Matthew 14:28-30)

“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’.” Little children instinctively trust. Watch a little one being coaxed by her parents to walk. The encouraging words trump all fears, falls and failures!

In the water-walking episode I believe Peter acted like a little kid. First, he just wanted to do what Jesus was doing. Jesus was pleased. Imagine the wonder and elation little Pete experienced! Second, little children are easily distracted. Peter’s focus was easily diverted to the strong wind. Undoubtedly he learned that “the key to success is to focus the mind on things we desire not things we fear” (Brian Tracy).

A common bulb releases light in many directions, and so the light is functional but very weak and diffuse. On the other hand laser light is concentrated and unidirectional. The result is extreme accuracy and power—e.g. laser surgery.

Faith requires but one focus: Jesus! Some focus on ritual. Others focus on doctrine. Still others focus on behavior. And yes, there are those who focus on the Bible: “You carefully study the Scriptures. You think that they give you eternal life. These same Scriptures tell about Me!  But you refuse to come to Me to have that life” (John 5:38-39). All of them are out of focus! “We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, the one who makes our faith complete” (Hebrews 12:2). “Where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go” (Peter McWilliams).

Check back next Friday as we continue our Faith on Fridays series. If you would like to read other posts in the Faith on Fridays series, please click here.