FAITHFUL 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)
What's slowing you down as you run the race Jesus has set before you? Stop and think about it for a moment. Take stock. Reflect. Ask God to show you.
I've always appreciated the distinction that the writer of Hebrews makes here. We're told to strip off everything that slows us down, especially the sin that entangles us. So clearly, we're to eliminate the sin from our lives. But there are other things, which are not sinful, that can slow us down. Video games. Social media. Sports fandom. A relentless pursuit of the perfect garden/yard. Entertainment. Climbing the ladder at work. None of these things (or countless others I could list) are inherently sinful or wrong. But when we allow them to eclipse Jesus as the top priority in our lives, then we have a problem.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus. That means setting Him as the top priority. That means seeking to know Him more and grow in our relationship with Him. How can we practically do this? Set aside uninterrupted time to pray. Make studying Scripture a regular rhythm, not just to check it off your to-do list, but to grow in wisdom and knowledge of who God is. Attending church regularly to engage with the body of Christ. These are just a few of the steps that we can take to prioritize Jesus.
Think of how you spend your waking hours. Certainly, we all have sin struggles that we are being called out of—confess those and repent! But beyond the obviously sinful things in your life, what is receiving your focus? If someone who didn't know you observed you for a week, what would they conclude is most important to you? Would Jesus even make the top five?
APPLICATION: Take stock of how you spend your days. How much of your time is spent pursuing relationship with Jesus each day? How much of your time is spent pursuing entertainment? What might you need to eliminate from your life to allow yourself to fix your eyes on Jesus better?
PRAYER: Father, grant me a hunger and a desire to know You more. Help me to set aside anything that would keep me from You. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?