Sometimes, we get so consumed with peripheral or supplemental matters that we can lose sight of the main objective. This concept is known as “tunnel vision,” and it occurs when we become so focused on specific details or immediate concerns that we lose sight of the broader perspective or long-term implications.

For example, we can start university and get so consumed with courses that we lose sight of the big picture; the objective is to graduate and become a doctor. Or a spouse may become so engrossed, or should I say trapped, in the day-to-day management of the household that they overlook the essence of marriage, which is to love each other and grow old together. This issue can occur in almost any situation, and it is best summed up by the quote, “You are so close to the trees that you lose sight of the forest.”

Sometimes, you must pull back from being knee-deep in activities and have a panoramic view of a situation. What am I saying today, friends? I am saying that sometimes, to improve your sight, you must refocus your lens from microscopic to telescopic.

I am sure you can agree that tunnel vision can occur anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. Therefore, it can also affect Christianity because it comprises people, and people can suffer from tunnel vision.

Applying this concept to Christianity, one area in which I feel the body of Christ has become too microscopic and suffers from tunnel vision is its preaching style and focus. Preachers now seem to be motivational gurus. Some love to speak about prosperity and wealth. Others like to tell us we can live our best lives now.

These are all good and important, but where should our focus be? Let’s pull back from the trees and look at the forest. What is Christianity about? Christianity is above Love!

When was the last time you heard a minister speak about love or have a series of sermons about love?  Even more than referring to a singular message and feeling good about hearing it recently, or preaching it if you are a minister. How is love intertwined in everything the body of Christ does and displays? This question is relevant for both members and ministers because we all have our roles to play.  Every decision should be based on love (1 Corinthians 16:14). When making a decision, ask yourself, how am I showing love here? What does this decision have to do with love?

I often use two cliches: “Always let the main thing be the main thing” and “Don’t major in the minor.” When coming to God, He majors in love.

In love, God gave his son Jesus Christ to redeem us. 1 John 4:9 “In this was manifested the love of God toward us: that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him”

The greatest commandment is love: Matthew 22:36-42 (NIV)36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Let’s look at some other scriptures for emphasis:

Colossians 3:14 – And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

1 Corinthians 13:13 – So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 John 4:7-8 – Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Peter 4:8 – Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Ephesians 4:2 – With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

John 14:15 – If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 13:35 – By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 3:3-4 – Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Luke 6:27-31 – But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Luke 6:35 – But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Matthew 5:43-48 – You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”.

Romans 12:20-21 – On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

These are just some of the scriptures I can find, and I use them to bring not you but all of us to remembrance.

When we love, we need less motivational speaking because the fire of love inside us will drive us into action. When we love, it is easier for us to give our finances to the church and in the service of helping others. When we love, we will witness and share our faith with others, knowing that their souls are important. When we love, we will forgive others for their wrongdoing just as Christ forgave us. When we love, we will learn to solve our differences quickly. When we love, When we love, When we love….!

This blog ended up no way close to the initial intent I had from inception. Nevertheless, the change in direction and what was penned made me very emotional. I had to pause many times to reflect on the church and myself as an individual, but reflection is always a good thing.

I pray that every reader takes the time to also reflect and see where improvements can be made in their personal lives. As Michael Jackson popularized in the song, “It starts with the man in the mirror.”

Dear friends,

Let’s return to first principles and put love at the center. For the main objective of Christianity is to grow into love, because God is love.

PS: Dane Miller was last seen asking God to show him how to love like Him!

Your Brother in the Lord,

Dane Miller – “God is the Author, I am the Pen”

Authored Book – What is the Woman Saying – Lessons from Biblical Women.

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