Proverbs 4:25. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
Have you ever watched a 100 meter or 200 meter races like in the Olympics? Sprinters take off running and they look straight ahead at the finish line the whole time. But once every so often you’ll see a runner look to the left or to the right to check and see how close the other runners are. And what happens? That’s right, they get distracted and slow down just enough to lose the race.
Remember, verse 23 told us to keep or guard our hearts above all else. How do we do that? By looking straight ahead to the finish line like a good sprinter does.
What is the finish line for Christians?
It is knowing, loving, and being with Jesus. Do you remember how Paul said it in Philippians? “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We guard our hearts by fixing our eyes on Christ, looking straight ahead to him at the finish line, always remembering where we are headed and what the goal of our salvation is – Christ-likeness.
Distractions abound, not least of which are the other runners. Comparisons to other believers, fear of losing pace, obsessing on the competition. What does everyone else want me to do, require of me, demand of me, expect of me?
Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, and demanding, look straight ahead at Jesus. Don’t let what others do bother you and keep you from trusting God. Don’t let the things you see off to the side tempt you to be quit running toward the prize of your upward call. Keep looking at Jesus! He is your reward. He is your trophy. One day we will be with him and we will be like him. Don’t let anything else distract you from knowing and trusting this truth – you are becoming like Jesus.
You: What things distract you from looking at Christ?
You in Christ: Do you believe that you are headed toward the prize of Christ-likeness? That Jesus himself will keep you from stumbling in the race?
Christ in you: What is one practical and specific way that you can set Christ before your eyes today?
Pray: Jesus, help me to keep my eyes on you every day. I can’t wait to be completely like you some day. Amen.
To Live is Christ 