While a
right focus leads to progress, endurance, and growth, the consequences of a
wrong focus is a downward spiral.
(a) concentration on the problem,
(b) contempt
for the problem,
(c) contrivance
to solve the problem, and
(d) conformed to or controlled by the world,
which invariably occurs rather than being transformed into the image of
Christ.
Numbers
11:1-6
When we
start complaining about our plight it is usually because our focus is off the
Lord and on our problems, on the details of life, or on the prosperity of
others.
Our
unbelief and our wrong focus is the product of wrong beliefs.
The
false belief is that our security and significance are found in the details of
life (position, power, prestige, possessions, pleasure, etc.) rather than in
the Lord and our fellowship with Him.
Example of whining
We need to note carefully what they could not have been complaining
about: (Numb. 11)
(a) The absence of God’s perfect
provision and will—vs. 6; nor
(b) The absence of God’s personal
presence—vs. 20; nor
(c) The absence of God’s sacred
purpose—vs. 20; nor
(d) The absence of God’s
sovereign power—vs. 23.
They had rejected the Lord and His plan and purpose for their lives as
His special people.
They had failed to focus on God’s person, His presence and power, and
on God’s purpose for them as His chosen people (cf. Ex. 19:4-6).
Faith looks at the problems, but it doesn’t remain focused on
them. Our faith must be focused on the
Lord. Proverbs 3:5-7
This downward process eventually enslaves us resulting in compromise
and worldly conformity. Proverbs 5:21-23
In Numbers 13 we have the story of the ten spies who returned with
their report of conditions in the land, but it was an evil report.
* Their focus here is clearly on
the problems rather than on the Lord.
Need to note the stark contrast
in verse 31-32a.
A wrong
focus leads to a number of serious consequences:
(a) It blinds
one's vision to the provision or blessings of God. They lost sight of the fertility
of the land (cf. vs. 27).
(b) It magnifies
the problem.
They saw everyone in the land as giants and themselves (the redeemed people of
the mighty God) as grasshoppers. It is like looking through the wrong end of a
telescope.
(c) It blinds the vision to the person
of God, causing unbelief in His person, plan, principles, promises, and
purposes.