Savage2Saint Sobriety Feb 18, 2026

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT).

As a child, I was taught to keep my eyes on the ball when I was playing baseball. Years later, I was taught to keep my eyes on the road while driving. Although one was just for fun, the other was imperative if I wanted to arrive alive. Both of them, however, taught a lesson about staying focused and not getting distracted. In both cases, my ability to keep my eyes on the target were fundamental to my success or failure.

As children of God, we're instructed to keep our eyes on Jesus because doing so is fundamental to our success as Christians. Sometimes it's easier said than done, though. The world is full of problems. Problems that are distracting. Problems that can feel like we're under attack. Problems that can lead to anxiety, depression, fear, and loneliness. If we don't keep our focus firmly fixed on Jesus, it can cause us to look for help or relief in places that could be detrimental to our success.

In Matthew 14, we see a great example of the success we can have when we stay focused on Jesus, but we also see the negative result when we take our eyes off of Him. ²⁸ Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”– Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT). Peter was able to accomplish the impossible by walking on water, as long as he kept his eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. It’s only when he looked at the “strong wind and the waves” that he “began to sink.”

Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus is something you have to train yourself to do. Swinging at a baseball and driving a car became second nature for me. The more I practiced, the better I got at them. My walk with Jesus is no different. If you want to be successful, then you have to get the fundamentals down. Stay focused, don't get distracted, and keep your eyes on the Savior! God Bless!