STAY FOCUSED: DISTRACTIONS CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO TEMPTATIONS

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:14)

MEDITATION:
When a runner is running a race, he sets his eyes on the goal.
He doesn’t look at the grandstand, or spectators along the track.
He may monitor himself, but it is not a time for examining himself.
He has his eyes fixed on the goal; he looks away from everything else.
The finish line is his main focus.

That’s exactly what we’re to do – keep our eyes fixed on the goal.
The reason that many Christians fail in ‘the race’ is that
they have not learned to look away from other things.
They’re trying to look in both directions at the same time.
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,
your whole body will be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22)

ACTION:
Following Jesus is not a game, it is a responsibility
we have to let Him shine through us, and to fight
against everything that strives to pull us away from Him.
We need to be “all in” with our commitment
to the Lord of lords and King of kings.

We should all ask ourselves a few questions:
Where is my focus today?
Has the world drawn me back into itself
and lured me away from the commands of my Lord?
What are my goals and am I keeping my eyes on them?

Some verses we should keep in mind:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes
on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone
loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15)

Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts,
you double-minded. (James 4:8)

All who have this hope in him purify themselves,
just as he is pure. (1 John 3:3)

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands
is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. (1 John 2:3-4)

The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them.
And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the
Spirit he gave us. (1 John 3:24)

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely
I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, remind me that as a follower of
Christ, I need to keep my eyes focused on the cross
and what Jesus did for me. I know that when I can
do that, I will not be distracted by the worldly things
that vie for my attention in an effort to draw me away
from You. You are my God, Jesus is my Savior, and
the Holy Spirit is my Helper. Help me to never lose
sight of this, so that I will remain focused on the goals
You have established for me, and so that I will be a
better servant who can be used by You. Help me to
remain in pursuit of the Kingdom so that I will live
out the salvation You have given me, and so that I
will never be ashamed of the Gospel. You know how
I am under constant attacks from the evil one, but God
You are greater than him and all of his devilish schemes!
You can defeat him for me so that I can remain focused
on the goals You have for me. Thank you for Your love,
forgiveness, mercy, grace, protection, promises, blessings,
and salvation! You are the great God of the universe, the
only God of the universe, and I praise You above everything!”