“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 12:1b-2
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Where you look is where you go. This is not only true on the road when driving, but a universal truth for life. What you look at determines your trajectory. This is why the writer of Hebrews 12 (above) emphatically encouraged believers to keep their eyes fixated on what was eternal. This verse gives us insight to what may have propelled Jesus to the cross: the eyes of His heart were fixated on the “joy set before him.” Even Jesus needed something to look toward as He endured the agony of the cross.
Because our battle is not ultimately worldly but spiritual, we must look at things that are eternal rather than temporary.
There’s a principle I have long taught athletes to help them recenter and refocus their attention during competition — the focal point. It’s a tangible reminder in the midst of a contest to keep the eyes of their heart fixed on Jesus. It can be a wristband, a cross drawn on a shoe, a part of their uniform, or even a Bible verse referenced on white tape on their wrists. It’s not important what the focal point is, but that they take moments to look at it and remember the spiritual truth it represents.
An athletic example of keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus is found in rowing. There is a member of eight-person rowing teams called the coxswain. They are responsible for directing the rest of the crew. The rowers are totally dependent on the coxswain because while their backs face their destination, the coxswain keeps his/her eyes on the pathway the boat should be on.
This team dynamic mimics what it means for believers to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. The rowing team keeps its attention on the coxswain because the athletes trust the coxswain will not lead them astray. The coxswain helps the rowers know when the race is about to start, keep pace, stay motivated, and he/she gives valuable feedback. The same can be said of Jesus. We are to be so fixated upon Him that we look to Him and allow Him to lead us down the path we are to go. Our job as followers of Jesus is to keep our eyes fixated upon Him and trust Him as He directs our path.
What you look at can redirect what you think about. What you look at can redirect your motivation in sport. What you look at can redirect your heart in competition.
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Choose to look at Him in the heat of competition and the pressure cooker of life. As you gaze at Him and the life He has for you, the worries of this world and the troubles of today will fall in comparison to the glorious riches found in Him (Romans 8:18).
— Reza Zadeh, Pro Athletes Outreach chief of staff
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