“Therefore since we also have such a large crowd of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and sin that easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us,keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the  shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”
–Hebrews 12:1-2

As coaches, we’re always talking to our athletes about the need to focus. Baseball coaches remind players to keep their eyes on the ball. When teaching tackling, football coaches tell athletes to aim for the number on the front of the jersey. In basketball, coaches teach free throw shooting by telling players to focus on the front of the rim. Former NFL receiver, Steve Largent, was once asked what he kept his eyes on when a quarterback threw him a pass. The obvious answer was “the ball.” But Largent said he focused on the cross hairs formed by the seams on the football’s tip. That is impossible in light of how hard NFL quarterbacks throw the ball, but Largent’s answer showed the intensity of his focus.

Hebrews 12:1-2 teaches us not only the value of focus, but the importance of keeping our eyes on the right object. Too often we turn our attention to the problems in our life or the mistakes we have made in the past. The more we focus on the problems and mistakes, the more difficult it becomes to keep our eyes on Jesus Christ. Coaches don’t want to see their players distracted. God doesn’t want us to lose our focus either. Focus on Jesus, He is the Source and Protector of our faith.

Heavenly Father, help me to eliminate the distractions in my life today. Give me the strength to fix my eyes on you and not my problems. Keep me focused Lord. Amen.