Day 21: The Direction of Attention

Opening Scripture

Matthew 6:22–23 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

In this passage, Jesus is speaking about the spiritual practice of honoring God with our wealth. Yet He reveals a deeper truth about why spiritual disciplines—such as breaking bread together—are necessary to help us remain devoted.

Jesus teaches that the eye is the lamp of the body whose light fills the whole person. He is not speaking of the physical eye itself. We know this because the surrounding context addresses honoring the Lord with our money. His point is not about what we literally look at, but about what captures our attention. Where we invest our resources often determines where our attention is directed.

Attention is central to spiritual formation. Each day, countless people and pressures compete for our attention—romance, finances, parenting, marriage, work, health, friendships, and conflict, to name a few. When we add social media, binge-watching, and other forms of escape from the monotony and stress of life, it becomes clear why intentional effort is required to keep our minds oriented toward Christ.

The eyes represent whatever holds our attention. If our attention is fixed on God—His ways, His love, and His promises—our entire spirit is filled with His light. But if our attention is consumed by fear, stress, pleasure, or escape, our inner life can become filled with the darkness of this world. From the moment we wake—and sometimes even while we sleep—the pressures and distractions of life rush through our minds at relentless speed. To turn our attention back toward God, we must be intentional.

The Examen

What most consistently captures my attention throughout the day?

What practices might help me intentionally redirect my attention back to God?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Matthew 6:11 11 Give us today our daily bread. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, help me to take the time I need each day—perhaps several times a day—to do something that turns my attention back to You. Amen.