“When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’” — John 21:21-22
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
The best runners are usually born with natural abilities. However, hard work and training helps people be their best. Coaches teach the best techniques for getting the most out of athletes’ abilities. Sometimes an athlete who listens well, follows the rules, and avoids distractions defeats someone with more talent. If the most-gifted athlete neglects training, stops listening to the coaches, and watches the opponents instead of looking straight ahead toward the finish line, we could see an upset. Finding success in running races is reliant on a daily routine and diligent training, focusing on what your body needs to be its best, and keeping focused. When you take your eyes off the prize and get distracted, you’ll veer out of your lane and end up without achieving your goal.
Peter was a natural leader and talented speaker, but Jesus worked hard to keep Peter humble and to focus his mind on the main goal. When Jesus told him he would be a martyr for the Christian faith, Peter worried about whether or not John would also die as a martyr. But Jesus reminded him that was none of his business and he should concern himself with his daily walk with God. “When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me'” (John 21:21-22).
Peter often said out loud what the other disciples were probably thinking. People tend to get distracted by less important matters and many of us tend to look over our shoulder to see what others are doing or not doing. We’d do better to focus on Christ instead of comparing ourselves with others. As we aim to be like Jesus, we’ll have little time to worry about what others are doing. Jesus consistently taught His disciples through His words and example to be humble servants and not showoffs. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
The Christian life is a daily routine of learning more about Christ and then sharing everything we know about Jesus with others. As the apostles grew in their faith, they stopped stirring up drama, avoided unnecessary arguments, and stayed in their lane with their eyes focused on Jesus. Whenever the devil tricked them into sin, they didn’t let yesterday’s defeat cause them to lose again today. They sprinted forward in victory. “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
Today, make sure you’re on focused on the work Christ has put in front of you. Don’t worry about what others are doing, and don’t let yesterday’s defeat impact your day today. God’s got you.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com
