F O C U S

Philippians 3:13

Every athlete I've ever known needed a powerful focus upon his goals in order to achieve his highest performance.  How do we appropriate our faith in Christ toward our life as athletes?  Today's Scripture speaks of these ideas.

In Paul's letter to the Philippians at chapter 3 and verse 13 it says, "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."  This is a dynamic principal about the pursuit of goals.

It's obviously hard to focus on your goals as a person or a team if you're constantly looking backward.  That's why he says he forgets what is behind.  Let go of the things that have hurt you in the past.  Forgive the people and forget the hurts.  Don't focus too much on your past successes either.  We can't be successful if we answer today's problems with yesterday's solutions.

He said to strain toward what's ahead.  The short term objectives that we set should be in line with our ultimate goal and should be kept fully in sight.  You can't play a whole season of games in one day, but you can work to win the one game you have to play today.  The short term objective is immediately ahead of you on the road to achieving your ultimate goals.

He also said to press on toward the goal.  You have a great opportunity to do that today.  Focus clearly on the goals you've established as a team and pursue them with great vigor.  Do as he said and strain toward what is ahead.  A clear vision of your team goals will add to team unity, teamwork, success and even increase the fun in playing.  Press on toward the goal!

Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 24:45-53
Hebrews 13:9-25
Proverbs 31
Isaiah 65-66