Distractions

Hebrews12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It was the final hole of the 1961 Masters Golf Tournament. Arnold Palmer had a one-stroke lead and had just hit a very satisfying tee shot. He looked to be in good shape. As he approached his ball for the second shot, a friend stuck out his hand and said, “Congratulations!”

Palmer says, “As soon as I (shook his hand), I knew I had lost my focus.” Over the next two shots, he hit one in the sand trap, then again over the edge of the green. Finally, he missed a putt and lost the Masters.

Arnold Palmer learned a very hard lesson that day: Never take your eye off the goal. This is as true in golf as it is in the spiritual life. Satan will try to pat you on the back and tell you you’re good enough without Jesus or you’ve done enough to earn salvation. But it’s then we must keep our eyes on the prize and not allow ourselves to be distracted from following Jesus!

Don’t believe the lie that you can live the spiritual life on your own. You need Jesus. He is the prize. Keep your eyes on Him and don’t let anyone or anything distract you from the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to help you maintain your focus on Jesus when Satan tempts you to think you can do it all by yourself!

Questions for Thought

Why do you think it can be tempting to believe we can attain salvation without Jesus?

How can keeping Jesus the focus of your faith help you when Satan tries to tempt you?