I’m not a runner by choice. I don’t understand the term “runner’s high” because when I run, there is only the deep desire that I would be DONE with it! I have learned however, that in running, your ability to focus is one of the keys to success. Your level of focus while running can either bring you freedom to enjoy the path, or it can cost you in injuries, lost time, and other disruptions. Distractions – including my own desire to be DONE when running – can keep me from the fullness of my own race.
Over and over in the Bible, God compares our walk with Him as a race.
“Run the race marked out for you!” -Heb. 12:1
“You were running the race so well. Who cut in on you?” -Gal. 5:7
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”-1 Cor. 9:24
“I don’t run aimlessly. I don’t let my eyes drift off the finish line.” -1 Cor. 9:26
Every follower of Christ is in their own personal race with Him! Christ invites us to run with Him in joy, with freedom and purpose. Yet we must be aware that during our race, distractions can come in many forms, keeping us from all that Christ has for us.
Distraction is defined as: a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
Some of the places we see the steep cost of distraction in our own lives are in driving and relationships. Distracted driving is the cause of many preventable accidents. Lack of focus, or focus on something other than driving, can come with a high price. Distraction in relationships can look like paying more attention to our phones than to those around us, missing out on real connection. The cost here is evident; lack of intimacy and depth with our own people because our attention is fixed on technology.
What are your distractions? What is it that keeps your eyes from focusing on Christ as you run your daily race? Your focus determines where you will go – so where is your focus? Here are some common distractions. Ask the Holy Spirit which of these might be costing you in your race.
Self-focus: Everything is about ME. Worship, prayer, Bible study all comes back to ME.
Fear: Paralyzes us not with what IS, but what could be, but most likely WON’T be.
Selfishness: Similar to self-focus, but easier to see. I want life MY way.
Shame: Keeps my eyes on my own failures, sins, lack.
Complacency: Settles for good enough-in relationships, in achievement, in our walk with God.
Pride: Focuses on ME based on my own efforts and achievements and keeps me from dependence on God.
All of these distractions, if unchecked, will keep us from running with Jesus in freedom and joy. The invitation to focus is this: Eyes to the Cross. Each day, sometimes in every moment, God invites us to refocus: “Son, Daughter, where is your heart’s gaze? Come look to Me. Eyes off of yourself, off of those around you. Come, look at Me.”
For every distraction, the Lord has provided a way to refocus. Worship, the Bible and time in stillness with the Lord will help us keep our eyes on Him.
Proverbs gives great instruction on our focus and how to walk in the way of truth. Here is one such passage:
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” -Prov. 4:24-26
In this race of life, we do not compete against one another. We are in a race against the distractions and lies of the enemy who would love to keep us from being effective in God’s kingdom.
Are you running distracted? Our Father has given us the BEST coach in the Holy Spirit. Spend some time with Him today asking where you might be running distracted.
Eyes to the Cross!
Heather Johnson, Revelation Wellness Director of Culture, wife, momma and daughter of the King, who is learning to run, without distraction.
Ready to move your body in JOY? Here is your #wednesdayworkout! Join Kara, a Revelation Wellness lead instructor, for this drumstick workout, entitled “Speak!” Join us over at RevWellTV for 100s of great, Christ-centered workouts!
