What do an astronomer, a microbiologist, and a photographer have in common? They each use a lensed instrument to see God's physical creation in detail. The astronomer employs a telescope to investigate the universe, to see distant planets, stars, and nebulae. A microbiologist uses a microscope to observe objects so minuscule that the naked eye cannot see them. The photographer uses a lens system connected to a camera to view things and compose a photograph.

Each of these professionals uses tools with systems for focusing the lenses to view an object clearly, to see the fine details. However, each of these tools can become unfocused relatively easily under many conditions. This process is similar to how easy it is for us to get out of focus in our own lives.

These tools have slightly different focusing mechanisms, from a simple sliding system to a more complex rack-and-pinion system. One may be manually operated, while another is motorized. But each uses lenses that work together with an eyepiece to bring objects into a proper focus.

A telescope can become unfocused by various influences, for example, atmospheric conditions like heat, cold, wind, rain, or fog. A simple bump can throw the instrument out of focus, or someone can calibrate a more complex one incorrectly. The problem, whatever it is, must be corrected, which may require some effort, time, and expense.

As Christians, we can also become "unfocused" from our alignment with Christ by conditions, circumstances, and influences. Our clear view may become hazy or obscured—a situation not uncommon in today's society where distractions and challenges abound. Other people's attitudes can affect us negatively, even something as simple as receiving no response to a friendly "hello." Politics, entertainment, and cultural trends can also cause us to lose focus.

What can we do to realign and regain a clear perspective? Certainly, we must turn to God, thank Him for His calling, ask for His help, and move forward in faith. Just as the astronomer has tools to fix his telescope, we also have tools to regain our focus. Using the effective tools of prayer, Bible study, and meditation will provide tremendous help.

Sometimes, all that is necessary is a thorough cleaning to remove an obstruction. Jesus advises, "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3). We do an annual cleaning of our homes during this time of year, getting rid of leaven, which represents sin. Over the past year, we may have lost our focus, allowing the leaven to accumulate, but now is the time to clean it out and refocus.

Jesus also says in John 3:21, "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." We must check our status constantly because our spiritual sight can become fuzzy and unfocused quickly. If we have succumbed to evil pressures or influences, we need to drop them immediately and look for sinful responses to them in ourselves. It may take a strong light to find them—the very light of Christ our Savior (John 1:4-5). We should not allow anything to hinder our efforts in refocusing on Christ, His words, lifestyle, and purpose. By following His instructions, we can realign and see clearly.

What about excessive heat or cold? Most major telescopes are located high on mountains and sheltered by domes. However, when the dome is open, the temperature can drop below freezing, and such frigid temperatures can affect the lens system, making it difficult to focus. Sometimes, the lenses become stuck. Operators must use either a lubricant resistant to freezing or a heating system to get them moving again. High heat, too, can affect the telescope's ability to focus. Since heat expands materials, the lenses may not align properly, so they would need to be cooled.

Do we, through neglect, allow our faith and zeal to "cool"? Have the constant ups and downs of life made us apathetic? Do trials and pressures make us too "hot" to remain focused? Do our emotions roil because of disturbing events? Do we let things out of our control stress us into a panic? All these things can affect our ability to focus on our spiritual priorities.

God's Word provides instruction to help us understand His perspective so we, as His children, can learn to align with Him in everything. The apostle Paul teaches us an easy way to begin aligning with Him:

First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God. This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior. (I Timothy 2:1-3, Contemporary English Version)

Prayer is a crucial tool in this process, as it focuses the mind on God and His impeccable character. Praying for the good of everyone—even wicked, hypocritical leaders—helps us to practice godly outgoing concern. It puts the distracting, disquieting issues of our day in God's hands, reducing our stress and allowing us to see them more as God does.

The microscope uses much of the same technology to focus as does the telescope, making small objects look larger. Before the Passover, our focus is to look at our lives and evaluate our spiritual growth. In a sense, God asks us to put our lives under a powerful microscope, focusing on the minute details of our thoughts, words, and deeds. How well do we align with God's purpose and way of life? If we have faltered, we must realign through repentance.

Truly, we should be doing this not only during the Passover season but as a consistent practice throughout the year because we do not want anything to deflect us from seeking the Kingdom of God. The apostle John writes in II John 8-9:

Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

The camera uses a lens system that allows the user to adjust it to several modes like telephoto, macro, wide-angle, and panoramic. Each enables the photographer to observe his object from various perspectives. People are like this, each with his own viewpoint, and the variety of them can confuse, obscure, or otherwise blur our focus. But only one viewpoint counts—God's! Jesus urges us in His Sermon on the Mount to have this priority: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:33-34).

When we become misaligned, God may have to reprimand us (see Hebrews 12:5-7). However, He does so out of love for us, to keep us focused on the path to His Kingdom. His discipline is intended to concentrate our minds sharply on what He is doing and restore us to walking in harmony beside Him.

Like us, God's elect worldwide are experiencing many trials and temptations, and any situation can potentially cause us to lose focus on our primary spiritual goal. We can thank God that He has equipped us with His Word, prayer, meditation, fasting, counsel, and a number of other useful tools to bring us back into alignment—to get back on track!