The race of life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Hebrews 12 encourages us to “run with endurance the race God has set before us.” But the key to this endurance lies in the phrase that follows: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” So how do we keep our eyes on Him, especially in a world full of distractions?
1. Prioritize Daily Time in the Word
Jesus is the Word made flesh, so one of the most direct ways to keep our eyes on Him is to spend daily time in Scripture. By setting aside moments each day to read and reflect on His words, we build a stronger foundation for our faith and gain renewed focus. A practical approach is to follow a reading plan that ensures you’re diving into both Old and New Testaments, the Psalms, and Proverbs. This daily rhythm aligns our hearts with His truth and keeps our thoughts centered on Him.
2. Cultivate a Strong Prayer Life
Prayer is where we bring our praises, burdens, and confessions to Jesus. To keep our eyes on Him, we can aim to speak with Him regularly, not only in set prayer times but throughout the day. Developing this habit keeps our hearts in close communion with Him. As we ask for His guidance, thank Him for His blessings, and seek His strength in our weaknesses, we grow more aware of His presence in every situation.
3. Serve Others with His Love in Mind
Jesus lived a life of love, compassion, and sacrifice, and He calls us to do the same. When we serve others, we are effectively “looking” to Jesus by imitating His actions. Service pulls our focus away from ourselves and aligns us with Christ’s character. Look for small ways to serve daily – whether through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or a helping hand. As we serve, we remember that Jesus is our model and our strength.
4. Seek Community with Fellow Believers
Fellowship with other believers reminds us of Jesus’ presence in a tangible way. A strong, supportive community can keep us focused on Him, especially when life gets tough. Attend church, join a Bible study, or meet regularly with friends who encourage you in your faith. Accountability, prayer, and shared experiences within a faith community can help keep our eyes from drifting and remind us of our shared purpose.
5. Regularly Reflect on His Sacrifice and Love
When we remember Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for us, we’re drawn back to the depth of His love. Taking communion regularly is one powerful way to do this, but so is simply spending time meditating on His sacrifice and what it means. Reflecting on His love and grace reminds us of the lengths He went to bring us close to Him and keeps our hearts in awe.
6. Anchor Your Hopes in His Promises
It’s easy to get distracted by worry, doubt, or temporary pleasures. But the promises of Jesus can anchor us. When we’re tempted to stray, recalling His promises provides a focus point: His promise of eternal life, His unending love, His presence through every trial. His promises are like a light on the horizon, and keeping them in our hearts keeps us steady.
7. Rejoice in Worship
Worship fixes our gaze upward. As we worship, we remember Jesus’ majesty and goodness. Whether through song, art, or acts of gratitude, worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God. Make worship a daily practice, and let it remind you that Jesus is worthy of our complete attention and adoration.
Final Thought
In a world filled with distractions, Hebrews 12 reminds us of our need to focus on Jesus, “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Keeping our eyes on Him is a discipline, a choice we make each day. But as we do, we find ourselves strengthened, encouraged, and prepared to run the race set before us with renewed endurance and hope.
