1 Corinthians 7:35 New International Version (NIV)
35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
This time of the year is NFL playoff season. It is win or go home. Great teams, players, and coaches played the Wild Card weekend. I especially enjoyed the Seahawks and Vikings game. It was a game of ‘old school’ beauty out on the field in the elements.
In the final seconds of the game, the Minnesota Vikings had a chance to take the lead. It was all eyes on the foot of the field goal kicker, Blair Walsh. It was to be an easy chip shot, and the Vikings would win.
The only problem was that there was a distraction. The laces were facing him as he proceeded to kick. In a previous field goal kick, he had the laces come up facing him, but he kicked it clean through the goal posts. This time when the laces were facing him, he was unable to overcome the distraction. With the missed field goal, the Seahawks walked away with the win.
We all face distractions in every day life. We can be distracted from our thoughts, worries, fears, technology, or laces on a football.
I think for me in my life, and I am sure for you, as well, those distractions keep me from a focused life in Christ. The enemy likes nothing more than keeping you distracted from hearing God’s voice through the Holy Spirit.
I am sure Blair Walsh will replay that chip shot for awhile. There are no do overs in the NFL or life.
Distractions will slowly erode your spiritual journey. When we choose to get back on focus, we will realize Christ should always be before us. My prayer is that young Blair Walsh will get back up and realize that you make some and you lose some. That is simply part of life. In the big picture of life, keep Jesus at the focal point, and those distractions will be come less significant because you know what is important.
Strength and Courage
Mike
