"Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne." –Hebrews 12:1b-2
Athletes are instructed on where to focus their eyes. “Keep your eyes on the ball . . . Keep your eyes on the player’s midsection . . . Keep your eyes on the hoop when shooting . . . Keep your eyes on the finish line . . .”
NFL star receiver Steve Largent was once asked what he kept his eyes on when a quarterback threw the ball. Largent said he looked at the cross-hairs. While it is next to impossible to look at the cross seams of a football coming at you at that speed, it showed Largent’s focus.
The writer of Hebrews tells us where to focus: lay aside the weights and sins that ensnare us; do not focus on our circumstances; do not focus on problems, sin, limitations, or weaknesses; do not focus on our opponent. Focus on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith.
Have we fallen into the trap of focusing on our circumstances? There are so many influences competing for our attention that it becomes difficult to keep our eyes on Jesus. Just as coaches fear distractions will impede their athletes, the Lord wants our eyes fixed on Christ.
1. Do you focus more on what you cannot do rather than what you can do?
2. Is your focus more on your opponent than on your performance?
3. What things in life compete for your attention?
4. Are you ready to fix your eyes on Jesus?
Proverbs 4:25; Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Lord, forgive me for losing focus. With so many influences competing for my attention, tune my mind and heart to seek You first in every situation. Give me grace as I run with endurance to the finish line. Amen.
