Eyes On The Prize

To often, we Christians become so focused on things around us, noise and distractions, that we can't focus on what's truly important. The Bible gives us the prescription for where our attention should be:

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV)

Our problem, most of the time, is that we're so easily distracted by the cares of this life. Don't get me wrong, no one is immune to this tendency, and even as I write this blog, I know I'm as guilty as anyone. However, the parable of the sower tells us that the fruit of God's word (the seed) can be choked out by the cares of this life and deceitfulness of riches (the thorns) <See Mark 4: 1-23>

Take heart, even Peter struggled with this issue. Remember Matthew 14 where Jesus walks on the water and Peter asks to join him? Everything was going fine until Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and on his circumstances and surroundings (see Matt 14:30). The same holds true for the rich young ruler who looked Jesus in the eyes and then turned away because Jesus asked him to give up his riches (Luke 18:22).

We need to focus on Jesus Christ. He warns us that trials and tribulations will come. He never promised a bed of roses for those who follow him. His word also teaches us that we are obligated to provide for our family (I Tim 5:8), seek to please our loved ones (I Cor 7:33), and live productive lives in this world (Ecc 10:18). But those things should not distract us from the primary focus, our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Luke 10:39-42 we see that Martha was busy serving (which we're commanded to do by the way) but Jesus told her that Mary had chosen that "good part." Mary had been sitting at Jesus' feet. Martha was right to serve and be focused on those things, but not to the point of neglecting her relationship with Jesus Christ.

Let's regroup, refocus, and redouble our efforts to be in true relationship with Jesus Christ. When we're walking with Him like we should, so many other things in life truly fall into place...