Where's Your Focus?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. ~Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)





Every well-trained musical group knows the importance of keeping their eyes
on the conductor. If every member of the choir, orchestra or band took
the music at their own personal tempo, the result would be chaos,
confusion, and discord!



When Peter, the often-impetuous disciple
of Jesus, stepped out of the boat in Matthew 14, he was fine as long as
he kept his eyes on Jesus. As soon as he took notice of the swell of the
tide on either side of him, he became fearful, faith flew away and he
sank like a stone.



As followers of Christ, it is imperative that
we keep our eyes trained on Him at all times. When our focus strays to
making money, controlling our circumstances, other people, or the work
we do for Christ, the result will be the same chaos, confusion &
discord, as well as anxiety, worry and fear. We must stay in step with
God's Spirit, closely following the Master, our gaze and thoughts
forever stayed on Him.



You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. ~Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)