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Focus

Kerry O’Neill

Ready: 

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…” Hebrews 12:2

Set:

Coaches continually remind players where they should focus their eyes. Keep your eye on the ball when hitting a baseball or golf ball or when playing basketball. Coach says, “Eyes on me,” when addressing the team. Where we keep our eyes is important. My high school track coach taught the sprinters an important lesson. Since your body follows your eyes, you should keep your eyes on the finish line. Scott was a teammate who had some speed, but he ran wagging his head back and forth. Likewise, his body followed and his strides shifted slightly to each side. When coach had him keep his eyes ahead, his body lined up accordingly.

Since scripture speaks of the Christian life as a race, we can gain an important lesson from this coaching tip. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus because our bodies and our lives follow our eyes. A competitor whose eyes are fixed on a goal will be seen running, lifting weights, practicing, etc. Their eyes affect their thoughts and eventually their choices and actions.

The greater the focus, the greater the impact. It is true of a laser beam, an earthquake, a church, and it holds true for your life. When we focus on Jesus and keep our eyes on Him, we will experience impact. It will affect our thoughts, words, choices, and actions.

Here is an encouraging motivator: Jesus isn’t waiting at the finish line. He is the finish line! Eyes on Him.

Go:

1. What do you keep your eyes on the most?

2. How does that affect your thoughts, words, and actions?

3. What are some steps you can take to ensure Jesus is your focus?

Workout:

• Psalm 25:15


• Matthew 6:22-23


• Matthew 14:22-32

Overtime:

“Lord, thank You for reminders of You in my life. Help me to keep my eyes on You so You will work in me and through me.”