Focus is important! That is certainly true in sports. Many of us watched the recent Olympic Games and saw how the athletes prepared for their event. They would forget the crowds, the other competitors and focus. Why? So that nothing would distract them and they could do their best for their country, and above all, win the gold.
Jesus had a focus, and that was to do the will of his Father.
He did that day by day as he healed the sick, taught the crowds and trained his disciples. Ultimately it led him to the cross. However he could see beyond the rejection and pain, as his eyes were on his Father and the joy of pleasing him.
In Hebrews 12:2 it says,
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
This should be our focus too. Whether we are a sportsman in the Olympics, a student or office worker, a housewife, a retired senior person, a labourer or an executive – our focus should be to please our Heavenly Father. Nothing should distract us or set us off course. In a previous Olympic event a diver was distracted by the flash of a camera. It can happen so easily. How can we keep our focus? Follow Jesus – he is our model, our example – and the one who gives the grace to run well. Don’t focus on the crowds or the other competitors – fix your eyes on Jesus!
