By Gina Caswell Kelly
I watch a lot of sports. I am on the sidelines for our high school games most of the time taking pictures. I am even at practice at times. One phrase I hear over and over at football is, “Watch the ball!” What this means to everyone on both sides of the ball is that there should be no action or no movement until the ball is snapped. If one of the linemen move, or there is other movement, a penalty will be assessed. If you want the play to run as it is designed, the first step is to keep your eyes on the ball. Many times the lineman want to watch the man in front of them. The one they are about to have to block. Any flinching by the other side, can cause you to jump. The result will be a penalty. Watch the ball!
I am sure you can see where this is heading. In life, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. If we are distracted by the movements or actions of those around us, we may be drawn offsides and into an area we do not belong, and there will definitely be penalties to pay. I was talking with someone this morning. We share concern for a mutual friend who is being drawn offsides. We were talking about how easy it is to be drawn into that lifestyle. A lifestyle that God does not want for us. She took her eyes off Jesus.
You remember the story in the Bible of Peter walking on water out to meet Jesus. He did fine and was successfully doing the impossible, until he was distracted by the winds and the waves. He took his eyes off Jesus, and began to sink. Our lives would be infinitely better if we would just keep our eyes on Jesus. On the Savior Creator who knows the pathway in front of us.
In order to keep our eyes on Him, we need to be spending time in His Word, spending time with His people, spending time talking with and LISTENING to Him. We have to be able to recognize His voice in our lives. The world is waiting to draw you offsides with all kinds of distractions. You have to start the day armed to fight those distractions. You have to keep your eyes on Him and allow Him to put His armor on you to fight those things the world wants to offer you. There is that great old song that says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
As you go through this next week, watch the ball! Keep your eyes on Him. On the one who created you with loving hands. The one who knows the path in front of you. It will make a difference.
