Focus!

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” (2 Timothy 2:3-7)

It's hard to focus, isn’t it? There are so many distractions all the time. From phones calls to messages to sports scores to breaking news to… Life is filled with constant interruptions. It’s hard to focus.

That’s true with our faith too. So many distractions pull our attention away from Jesus. The constant busyness of life leaves little time for God’s Word. It’s hard to focus!

That’s why Paul gave three examples of focusing on what’s most important. First, “no one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” Focus like a soldier. A soldier needs to be able to block out all the distractions of civilian life and focus on the commands his officer gives him. That focus is vital to surviving—and winning—a war.

Second, “anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” Focus like an athlete. Success in sports depends on laser-like focus on the victor’s crown. Practicing and training and competing as hard as possible according to the rules is vital.

Third, “the hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” Focus like a farmer. No harvest just happens on its own. It requires plowing and planting and seemingly endless, back-breaking work. Yet, that focus is necessary to produce a good crop.

Those examples have three things in common: Soldiers, athletes, and farmers all need to work hard. They all need to endure hardship without giving in. They all need to focus on the final reward.

Are you reflecting on what the Bible is saying? You have a “commanding officer” better than any general: Jesus. He gave up his life for us! Focus on his Word. You have a victor’s crown waiting for you in heaven. Focus on that prize! Life a soldier, like an athlete, like a farmer, focus on Jesus Christ!

Dear Jesus, drive all distractions away from my heart and lead me to focus my life on you. Don’t let anything interrupt me from hearing your Word and receiving the victor’s crown you’ve won for me. Amen.

Pastor Nathan