Philippians 3:15-16, “So let’s keep FOCUSED on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, GOD WILL CLEAR YOUR BLURRED VISION—YOU’LL SEE IT YET! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” (MSG)
My dad was indeed crazy about sports, particularly baseball, football and basketball. He had his favorite teams, and you could hear him from miles away as he rooted for his best! And truth is, much like my dad, just about all American’s are pretty passionate about their sports too. Now, if my dad had to pick just one sport as a favorite, he would hands down choose baseball. However, my nephew would, without a doubt, vote for basketball as the most exciting sport of all time. And basketball action is pretty physical. It’s constantly changing, it’s intense, it’s unpredictable. And even though I know little of nothing about the sport, I’ve watched enough to know about this one thing. You see, there’s this one point where it does slow down a little, much to the relief of the players I’m sure. But if a player is fouled by someone from the other team, he gets to shoot one or two FREE THROWS.
And that down time is a time when nobody on the court is bothering you or trying to defend against you, no one is touching you, bumping you, or blocking you. Actually I really shouldn’t say no one’s bothering you, especially if you’re the visiting team. Because when you’re facing that basket trying to make your free throw, you’re also facing all the local fans who, of course, want you to miss! They’re jumping up and down, they’re making noise, they’re waving their arms, and they’re waving signs in your face. Which means, if you’re going to try to score some points with this free throw, you’ve got to seriously CONCENTRATE. The word “Concentrate” is defined as “to focus all one’s attention or mental effort on an object or activity.” Its Latin Origin comes from “Con” (meaning ‘together’) and “Centrum” (meaning ‘center’). To concentrate is therefore to bring all of your mental effort together to focus on the one thing that is necessary, that which is the center of your attention. Sounds a lot like David and Paul doesn’t it? Psalm 27:4, “I’m asking God for ONE THING, ONLY ONE THING: To live with Him in His house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at this feet” (MSG); Philippians 3:13, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but ONE THING I DO: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (AMP). Can you imagine being that single-minded? Better yet, can you imagine trying to be that single-minded when attempting to make a free throw shot while everyone is attempting to do whatever it takes to throw you off your game?!
In fact, I didn’t know there’s even an actual name for it in basketball, they call it “FREE THROW DISTRACTIONS.” And it’s pretty big and sometimes very hilarious and other times quite disturbing. You see, it’s when you have fans that will wear weird and outrageous outfits, make faces, scream, taunt, provoke, make crazy sounds, even take off their clothes, and all of it just to make you lose your CONCENTRATION! Their only goal is to make sure you don’t make yours!
Now, let’s be honest. Many of us have distractions we face daily, but can you imagine having a whole stadium of people attempting everything in their power to distract you? And all of this effort just because they want to see you lose!
This thought brought to mind Hebrews 10:32-38, here’s what it says: “But remember the earlier days, when, after being [spiritually] enlightened, you [patiently] endured a great conflict of sufferings, sometimes by being made a spectacle, publicly exposed to insults and distress, and sometimes by becoming companions with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy and deep concern for those who were imprisoned, and you joyfully accepted the [unjust] seizure of your belongings and the confiscation of your property, conscious of the fact that you have a better possession and a lasting one [prepared for you in heaven]. Do not, therefore, fling away your [fearless] confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one [the one justified by faith] shall live by faith [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him]; And if he draws back [SHRINKING IN FEAR], My soul has no delight in him. BUT OUR WAY IS NOT THAT OF THOSE WHO SHRINK BACK TO DESTRUCTION, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.” (AMP)
This passage from the Bible suggests an idea that’s pretty common in modern athletics. You hear this word a lot – FOCUS. And it’s not focusing in good times, but focusing in hard times! Times when you’re attacked, taunted, provoked, and even insulted! The word “focus” has many definitions, but the one I like is “to pay particular attention to.” Just like that basketball player. He’s got to focus on making that basket; what it takes to sink it when you’ve got a thousand nuts out there trying to get you to look somewhere else. That player has all kinds of sights and sounds trying to get his attention. But he’s got to tune it all out. His eye is fixed on the basket. To attain his goal, he has to Pay Particular Attention!
The Bible says, “We have a race marked out for us.” The Lord has set the course for your life. You’ve got gifts to use for Him, you’ve got people to influence for Him, you have work to get done for Him, you have days that are yours with which to glorify Him and keep striving toward His prize. All that matters is getting to that finish line. Truth is we should all want to have Paul’s testimony: 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight. I have Completed the race. I have kept the faith.” (GWT). That word “complete” is defined as “having run its full course; finished; to the greatest extent or degree; total.” It’s Latin Origin “Complere” literally means “to fill up, finish, and fulfill.” And isn’t that what every believer wants? To fulfill the Will of God for their life? Well, it’s possible, it’s doable, you just have to concentrate and focus and you’ll finish your fulfillment! Will it be easy? Absolutely not! But it will most certainly be worth it to hear: Matthew 25:21, “…Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.” (AMP). Listen, the Lord has indeed promised to do His part, Philippians 1:6, “I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and COMPLETE IT until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” (AMP). But in the words of the Apostle Paul, we have our part to do as well: “…I have FINISHED the work I was to do…” (NLV). To finish well, you need to focus well!
Now, the player who has to make this free throw shot has a lot coming at him and all at the same time! There’s a lot that could blur his vision, cloud his judgment, shift his focus, and cause him to lose his concentration. After all, that player could look at the crowd. He could look at the competitors all around him. He could look at all the signs that say ‘MISS IT!’ But a champion, of course, always focuses on the upward goal. What he has to do is more important than what others around him are trying to do to him.
Now, if we are to all be honest, truth is, we all fight with distractions every day! It’s easy to have your attention drawn away to a problem person, or your finances, or making more money, or a thousand little annoyances. You can be distracted by temptation, or as I often am, by an overwhelming “to do” list. And dare we mention television, phones, and social media? Even in church we can get so caught up in positions, protocols and programs that we never focus on fulfilling our purpose. But that’s the goal of distraction, to cause you to retract from forward progression. In fact, the word “Retract” means “to draw or be drawn back; to withdraw; to go back on.” Its Latin Origin “Retrahere” literally means “to draw back.” And is there danger in being distracted to the point of going backwards? Absolutely! Just take a look at Luke 9:62 in a few translations:
“But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things left behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.” (AMP);
“Jesus answered, “Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn’t worth a thing to God’s kingdom!” (CEV);
“Jesus said, “Anyone who begins to plow a field but looks back is not prepared for God’s kingdom.” (ERV)
“Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.” (MSG)
“Jesus said, “Anyone who begins to plow a field but keeps looking back is of no use in the kingdom of God.” (NCV)
“But Jesus told him, “Anyone who lets himself be DISTRACTED from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (TLB)
Listen: You cannot afford to be drawn back, go back, procrastinate or allow yourself to be distracted from your assignment, ministry, race, work, calling or purpose! It makes you unfit, unfocused and ultimately unfulfilled! You can’t make the mark while aiming at everything but the mark! If you ever take the time to look at the faces of the athletes when they’re on the line and focused on making their free throw shot, you will be amazed at the intensity of their stare, focus and concentration. And even though their free throw shot is important to them in that moment, surely you know we have a mark to make that’s a tad bit more important! We have to finish what our Father assigned to our hands to do!
1 Corinthians 3:9-15, “For we are God’s fellow workers [His servants working together]; you are God’s cultivated field [His garden, His vineyard], God’s building. According to the [remarkable] grace of God which was given to me [to prepare me for my task], like a skillful master builder I laid a foundation, and now another is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will be clearly shown [for what it is]; for the day [of judgment] will disclose it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality and character and worth of each person’s work. If any person’s work which he has built [on this foundation, that is, any outcome of his effort] remains [and survives this test], he will receive a reward. But if any person’s work is burned up [by the test], he will suffer the loss [of his reward]; yet he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has barely escaped] through fire.” (AMP) The Message Bible says it like this: “Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house. Using the gift God gave me as a good architect, I designed blueprints; Apollos is putting up the walls. Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn’t, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won’t be torn out; you’ll survive—but just barely.” (MSG)
2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities].” (AMP)
That’s Why You Need to Maintain Your Free-Throw Focus! Not Only Do You Have a Work to Complete For God, But It Will Be Inspected By God! Concentrate!
But, maybe your attention is drawn to this or that conflict or to something you’re afraid of, or something you’re worried about. Whatever it is, it’s yelling, “Look at me instead!“, and sadly, many of us do to our distraction and demise. Truth is, we have thrown away enough days by letting ourselves become frustrated, allowing ourselves to worry and panic and feel sorry for ourselves. What’s the answer then? Here we go again, FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS! It begins when your day begins. You fill up with Jesus in the waking moments. That’s a conscious choice you make. You listen to worship music, Christian radio, go to Christian websites. You take time to listen to the Lord in His Word and prayer, and then you refocus on Him several times during the day DELIBERATELY. Stop allowing the crowd to shift your focus! Whether it’s on the job, in the home, in business or in the church, keep your focus!
Refocus on Jesus and His assignment and purpose for your life because He’s holding you accountable for the work!
All the distracters will always be there waving, shouting, and screaming for your attention. But a champion knows they’ve got to make the difference. They’ve got to make the basket. They’ve got to make the goal. And the only way to do that is to focus and refuse to be distracted.
Make sure your eyes are stubbornly focused on the Christ who is Lord over every distraction!
You know, I’ve come to realize just this year, in the last few days that sometimes it’s okay to be stubborn. You see, “Stubborn” is defined as “determined not to change one’s attitude or position; difficult to move.” And that’s exactly what we need to be, so stubborn in focus that we’re determined not to change our attitude or position. So stubborn, that no matter what they do or attempt to do to distract us, we will not be moved! Let this year be the year that you plant your feet and refuse to be moved by distractions (whether they come from people, places, or things). Remember, you can’t make the shot if you keep shifting your sight to look at distraction!
1 Chronicles 29:14-19 says, “…And give my son Solomon an uncluttered and FOCUSED heart so that he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel, and carry through with building The Temple for which I have provided.” (MSG). Today, ask God to give you an UNCLUTTERED AND FOCUSED HEART! One that keeps Him at the center and core! Not one that’s consumed with Michelle on Monday or Frank on Friday! Because they are mere distractions! I don’t care what they have to offer, what they can do, what they will do, I don’t even care what they look like! You are responsible for keeping your heart uncluttered and focused on God and what He’s assigned you to do!
Psalm 119:65-72, “…Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place, but now I’m in step with your Word. You are good, and the source of good; train me in your goodness. The godless spread lies about me, but I FOCUS my attention on what you are saying…” (MSG) Listen, I don’t care what they call you, focus on what God says about you only! They can say you’re ugly, fat, lazy, no good, less than, useless, worthless, and the like, and they are entitled to their opinion. But their opinion is not God’s! He calls you His chosen people, His priceless, cherished treasure, He calls you His own, He calls you gifted, anointed, powerful, awesome, healed, delivered, saved! He calls you ‘MINE’! And that supersedes anything anyone else has to say about you! Be like the psalmist, BUT I FOCUS MY ATTENTION ON WHAT YOU ARE SAYING!
DON’T LET THE VOICES BLUR YOUR VISION!
Matthew 6:6, “…Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The FOCUS will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” (MSG) The player getting ready to do his free throw shot focuses only on the basket. And you need to make sure that daily you are spending time with God, and God alone. Focused solely on Him! Shift your focus to place Him in clear view! Yes, there will be times when you’re surrounded by the crowds, but there must also be those scheduled moments that you don’t compromise. The moments that you PURPOSELY set aside for you and God to have some one-on-one time. The best way to maintain your focus is to always keep God in your view!
Matthew 17:17-18, “Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! No FOCUS to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things?…” (MSG) Listen, you cannot serve God while serving a million other things in life. I’ve seen it far too often in churches, people wearing so many hats you can no longer see their entire body anymore. You can’t be all over the place and focused at the same time. Imagine if you’re driving down the highway and you’re trying to adjust all the mirrors, turn off the wipers, turn on the radio, change the heat, pull down the visor to get a piece of paper, yell at the kids and fix your seat belt buckle all at the same time, guess what’s about to happen?! You guessed it, CRASH! Why? Because you shifted your focus from what was most important to everything else! Learn how to get some focus to your life, your entire life, which means work, home, church, school, activities and the like. Get them all in order and place them in proper priority categories so you can get more focus to your life. You can’t see clearly when your entire life is nothing but a cluttered mess of distractions!
Mark 8:24-26, “He looked up. “I see men. They look like walking trees.” So Jesus laid hands on his eyes again. The man looked hard and realized that he had recovered perfect sight, saw everything in bright, twenty-twenty FOCUS…” (MSG) There’s nothing like taking what’s ailing you to Jesus for Him to lay His hands on it and fix and heal it. You can’t focus when you’re hurting and in pain. Meaning, yes, you have a purpose to fulfill, but when something isn’t working right in your life, don’t try to perform, just seek God. What happened to this man who had no sight, after he spend some time with Jesus? HE HAD RECOVERED PERFECT SIGHT, SAW EVERYTHING IN BRIGHT, TWENTY-TWENTY FOCUS! And the same will happen for you! Whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, financial, social, or spiritual, if it needs healing, take it to Jesus first, refocus, then get back to fulfilling your assignment!
Romans 4:19-25, “Abraham didn’t FOCUS on his own impotence and say, “It’s hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child.” Nor did he survey Sarah’s decades of infertility and give up. He didn’t tiptoe around God’s promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That’s why it is said, “Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right.” But it’s not just Abraham; it’s also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.” (MSG) I can’t imagine all that goes through the mind of a player who has to make a free throw shot, while everyone around him wants him to lose his focus and lose his aim! That’s a lot of pressure. And Abraham knew pressure. He was promised to father a child in his old age, when it was past time for them both, and yet he believed God! Whatever God has assigned you to do, you can do it, no matter your flaws and imperfections, no matter how hard or seemingly impossible. Simply focus on what God said and believe it until you see it!
Romans 15:14-16, “…I need your help in carrying out this highly FOCUSED assignment God gave me, this priestly and gospel work of serving…” (MSG) Now, the free throw shot is all on you, alone. But thank God, that’s only one small portion in the game. You need to make sure that you surround yourself with a good team so you can win the entire game, which you cannot do alone, no matter how focused and gifted you are! Make sure you have a team that’s focused just as you are, or even better! Avoid the lazy, the pessimistic, the undisciplined, the show-boats, the easily distracted! Get you a team that’s focused on God’s assignment, plan, purpose and kingdom, and get the work of serving completed!
2 Corinthians 1:12-14, “…It was God who kept us FOCUSED on him, uncompromised…” (MSG) You can’t win and compromise! You need God to keep you focused especially during those times of temptation! Because as soon as you shift your focus to the things of God, the devil will immediately show up with every distraction to take your focus from God, don’t let it happen! Stay with God so He can keep you focused and uncompromised as you complete your assignment for Him!
Ephesians 1:15-19, “I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes FOCUSED and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!” (MSG) So many say they have no idea what God has called them to do, but the Bible clearly says, “I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, YOUR EYES FOCUSED AND CLEAR, SO THAT YOU CAN SEE CLEARLY EXACTLY WHAT IT IS HE IS CALLING YOU TO DO…” You need to focus on God so you can see clearly what it is He has called you to do! Unfortunately however, far too many focus on what people say instead, ‘you sound like a preacher’; ‘you look like a dancer’…But You Can’t See Your Calling Clearly Looking to People, You Have to Focus On God!
Brothers and Sisters, let today be the day you get your focus back and not lose it again to distractions! God has called you to a great work, that can’t be accomplished while you’re unfocused! Be it people, places or things, let nothing and no one take your free throw focus off the basket! You never know, your focus just may win it for the entire team! We’re All Counting On You!
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