Keep Your Eyes on the Prize 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. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:2,3
Seven SECRETS of a Champion Runner!
- Author Pastor Clark Beiler
4. He Keeps His Eye on the Goal
A runner must avoid all distractions. Every motion requires his full concentration. Distractions cause him to lose his focus and to dissipate energy that could be used to win the race. In our race, we are to look “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 12:2). The glory that Jesus now enjoys will be ours at the end of a successful race.
The goal in Paul’s race was the “high calling of God.” He wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:14,14). Our goal in life is to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Winning teams know that it is difficult to win championships. The difference between champions and runner ups doesn’t always exist just in the degree of talent. There are many talented athletes that have not achieved the goal just because they were distracted. It is not uncommon for championship teams to get rid of talented players because they were a distraction to the team. It is not uncommon for talented athletes to fall by the wayside and lose to less talented athletes whose focus was more singular.
A focus on self or things around us that compete for our attention will keep us from focusing on the goal. That prevents us from giving our best to the best.
Keeping our focus will keep us from many destructive things that would steal away the true fulfillment of our lives. If you are aware of distractions that keep you from God’s best, refocus your attention this morning. There is a high calling for everyone who will. It is a calling worthy of our very best. Let us purpose to lay aside even the good things in order to attain the best. The old chorus said it well. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”
Secrets of a Champion - #5 Tomorrow
Seven SECRETS of a Champion Runner!
- Author Pastor Clark Beiler
4. He Keeps His Eye on the Goal
A runner must avoid all distractions. Every motion requires his full concentration. Distractions cause him to lose his focus and to dissipate energy that could be used to win the race. In our race, we are to look “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 12:2). The glory that Jesus now enjoys will be ours at the end of a successful race.
The goal in Paul’s race was the “high calling of God.” He wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:14,14). Our goal in life is to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Winning teams know that it is difficult to win championships. The difference between champions and runner ups doesn’t always exist just in the degree of talent. There are many talented athletes that have not achieved the goal just because they were distracted. It is not uncommon for championship teams to get rid of talented players because they were a distraction to the team. It is not uncommon for talented athletes to fall by the wayside and lose to less talented athletes whose focus was more singular.
A focus on self or things around us that compete for our attention will keep us from focusing on the goal. That prevents us from giving our best to the best.
Keeping our focus will keep us from many destructive things that would steal away the true fulfillment of our lives. If you are aware of distractions that keep you from God’s best, refocus your attention this morning. There is a high calling for everyone who will. It is a calling worthy of our very best. Let us purpose to lay aside even the good things in order to attain the best. The old chorus said it well. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”
Secrets of a Champion - #5 Tomorrow
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