Powerful focused people control what they pay attention to and they ignore what is deemed non-essential.
In social circles, attention and snubs are used as cues for the group. None of us really need to be taught this. Exposure to social circles at an early age reveal this to us. There are some people who talk to everyone and make everyone feel important but most only have so much attention and they have been taught to focus on the ones they care about and repel those they don't as a defensive (or offensive) mechanism. Shy people get misunderstood because of this. Focused people can see them as aloof or stuck up (a phrase I don't see used much these days).
We can look at Jesus and see who He focused His attention on and learn so much. He was (and Is) extremely generous with His attention.
"...but Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.' " - Matthew 19:14 ESV
"The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children." - Matthew 11:19 KJV
We don't see Jesus paying attention only to those who can 'do something for Him' but it is almost the opposite. We see His focusing His attention on the helpless and invisible members of His society. The powerful and focused had to get His attention.
"And the high priest stood up and said, 'Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?' But Jesus remained silent." - Matthew 26:62-63a ESV
Wow. I imagine that was a man who rarely got ignored.
Becoming a believer has changed who I pay attention to. It has changed my value system. I want the people to know how valuable they are because God places great value on them but I also want to ignore the things that are worthless.
I want to pour out even when I feel weak because I know that conserving energy in this way isn't a protection. God fills empty vessels and stale wine just gets bitter in a half empty container.
If we ignore what is valuable we are 'ignorant' people. We will be snubbing what shouldn't be snubbed.
God make us wise. Fill us with Your love. If You are our focus we will have power and focus for that which is truly valuable.
Souls.
Heaven and Earth will all pass away but souls and scripture have value beyond measure.
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