Streamlining
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2
In his historic flight of 1927, Charles Lindbergh had the Spirit of St. Louis designed for only one purpose: to complete the journey from New York to Paris. He excluded anything that was not necessary for the flight. No radio, no parachute, no gas gauge, no landing lights – not even a front window, instead a large fuel tank blocked his forward view. His seat was a light wicker chair, his boots were light weight, and even his maps were cut down to only reveal what he needed to have.
There is a lesson for believers in this example: we carry many things in our lives that are not supportive of our purpose of following Christ. Some things that we have the freedom to do slow us down in our race of faith. But sin entangles us and prevents us from being able to run at all. Both of these – needless encumbrances and sinful habits – need to be cast off. Our eyes need to be fixed on Jesus and a daily commitment to Him and to His purpose in our life and in our world needs to be reaffirmed.
Is your life designed today to fulfill God’s purpose? Are you distracted from God’s purpose because of a cluttered mind and a cluttered life? Take a minute to ask yourself…
How much time am I giving to unimportant matters?
How much time am I giving to my family?
How many things do I participate in that distract me from God?
What are some habits that I need to let go of?
What are some pet sins that I need to quit?
Is there a behavior that I know is wrong but that I justify to my friends and to myself?
What do I need to put into my life to make it more effective for Christ?
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Let Him be your aim and example in life. He is seeking to lead you today. Follow Him.
Prayer:
Lord, it is easy to be distracted and our lives filled with unimportant distractions. It is easy to fall prey to temptation as we are led astray by our lusts. Let us fix our eyes on You this day. Guide us and lead us. Amen.