How can I focus more on Jesus Christ in the world today?

Question

 

Gramps,

In a world that is currently so chaotic, how can I focus more clearly and fully on Jesus Christ?

Cindy

 

Answer

 

Cindy,

Great question and one that is so relevant today.

In a world that is often loud, busy, and burdened by uncertainty, countless people yearn for direction, peace, and a sense of belonging. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and all sincere seekers, one answer emerges again and again: center your life on Jesus Christ. Leaders of The Church continually emphasize the need to “look unto [Jesus] in every thought; doubt not, fear not,” as the Savior Himself taught to the Prophet Joseph Smith. But what does it truly mean to draw closer to Jesus Christ in daily life? How can faith in Christ move from mere belief to a living, guiding influence?

At the heart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ doctrine is a direct invitation from the resurrected Christ. As Joseph Smith recorded, the Savior’s gentle but unwavering words resound:

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not … Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.” (Doctrine & Covenants 6:36-37)

These words are more than poetic encouragement—they are a divine pattern for overcoming doubt and fear.

Elder Kim B. Clark explains that when the Lord calls the elders in Israel to “look unto me in every thought” and “behold the wounds,” He invites all disciples to “turn away from sin and the world and to turn to Him and love and obey Him. It is a call to trust Him completely, surrender our will and yield our hearts to Him, and through His redeeming power become like Him.” This complete trust is a rigorous but rewarding spiritual exercise.

President Russell M. Nelson has further emphasized this message:

“There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming such powerful disciples. Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee.”

So how do we put this counsel into practice?

1, Living our covenants: When we make and keep sacred promises with God—through baptism, the sacrament, and the temple—these covenants influence everything we say and do. Living a “covenant life” infuses our daily routine with small but transformative acts of faith, including heartfelt prayer in Jesus’ name, studying His word, and striving to emulate His love and service.

2, Repenting daily: Turning to Christ is not a one-time event but a continual process of changing, repenting, and growing. Each day brings fresh opportunities to rely on His grace and healing.

Maintaining a close relationship with Jesus Christ requires ongoing spiritual effort and dedication. Leaders of The Church have consistently taught specific habits that draw us closer to Him:

Heartfelt Prayer

Prayer in Christ’s name connects us directly to our Heavenly Father. Elder Bednar teaches that vigilant, heartfelt prayer is essential, especially as spiritual dangers around us may appear “attractive, desirable, or pleasurable.” “Constant vigilance is required to counteract complacency and casualness … [and] to stay awake and be alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the signals that come from the Lord’s watchmen on the towers.” Heartfelt, regular prayer helps us remain humble, aware, and open to divine guidance.

Feasting on the Word

Rather than merely “reading” the scriptures, the Church’s leaders invite us to “study” them—searching, pondering, and praying for understanding and application. As one Latter-day Saint observed, true study is “getting more out of [the scriptures] vs just reading.” Scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon and the Bible, and continuing revelation through living prophets, offer daily spiritual nourishment. As Sister Sharon Eubank has stated, “One of the fundamental needs we have in order to grow is to stay connected to our source of light—Jesus Christ. He is the source of our power, the Light and Life of the World. Without a strong connection to Him, we begin to spiritually die.”

The Sacrament and Remembering the Savior

Partaking of the sacrament—remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and renewing covenants each week—reminds us continually to take His name and spirit upon us. Listening with intent during the sacramental prayers helps make the power of His Atonement personal and present in our lives.

Repentance at the Center

Repeated, sincere repentance is at the core of Christlike living. The Atonement’s power, as one member wrote, is always there, “whether we will use it or not, but it depends on us. No matter where we are in life, we can always rely on His atonement.”

The Doctrine and Covenants records the Lord’s symbolic command to His people—to build a tower and set a watchman, so that danger may be seen “afar off” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:43–53). Tragically, the Lord’s servants in this parable neglect His command, becoming slothful and shortsighted. The enemy comes, and the vineyard is destroyed. The lesson is clear: “God … knows what is coming in the future. He can give information about the future to prophets, who can then warn the people. He can also bless us with personal revelation to prepare us for the future.”

Modern disciples are called to spiritual vigilance—not paranoia but a sober, watchful awareness. As President Nelson summarized, “safety ultimately lies in ‘never taking the first enticing step toward going where you should not go and doing what you should not do.’”

Christ’s own life was an unbroken stream of compassionate service. “He had the compassion we can only wish and strive for, but by using our compassion and helping others, we are becoming more like Him. Would we wash our friend’s dirty feet? Small acts—ministering to a discouraged friend, helping a neighbor, listening without judgment—are the ways we begin to “love and serve as He would have done.”

In times of commotion, when “wars, famines, earthquakes, [and] iniquity” fill the headlines, is peace possible? The answer from Church leadership is a resounding yes.

A question posed by a member illustrates this common concern: “How do we find peace now when the world seems to be going dark and turbulent?” The response is clear. First, know what the Lord has actually revealed about the signs of the last days—study, but do not sensationalize or fear the future. Many of these signs—such as “the gospel preached to all the world,” or unprecedented natural phenomena—are not secret or hidden, and when Christ returns, “every eye shall see it.”

More importantly, as President Uchtdorf taught:

“We are, therefore, not ignorant of the challenges of the world, nor are we unaware of the difficulties of our times. But this does not mean that we should burden ourselves or others with constant fear. Rather than dwelling on the immensity of our challenges, would it not be better to focus on the infinite greatness, goodness, and absolute power of our God, trusting Him and preparing with a joyful heart for the return of Jesus the Christ?”

Christ’s own promise rings true: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

How are you devoting your life to Jesus Christ today? Decide now to make your relationship with Him more real, more active, and more central than ever before. Let your focus be “riveted” on the Savior and His gospel—and in doing so, find the peace, purpose, and power that only He can give.

 

Gramps