Have you ever watched an athlete train? For example, someone who lifts weights? Weightlifting is a dangerous sport that demands complete focus on even the smallest details such as posture and even breathing. You will never see weightlifters allowing themselves to get distracted – looking around, gazing up at the ceiling or playing with a child whilst lifting weights. A moment’s distraction not only puts their title or prize at risk, but it can also cause serious health problems if an accident were to happen.

Perhaps weightlifting is not your thing! What about picking up a forty-pack case of water or a twenty-pound bag of rice… You would never try to pick up these things with just your pinky finger. Of course not! The weight of those items demands focus and concentration. 

Let us venture now into the spiritual realm. Take a look at this Bible verse:

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)

If an athlete getting distracted during a serious maneuver can cost him, imagine you and I who are fighting a spiritual battle. If we are not focused, it can cost us dearly. The verse above emphasizes the fact that we must take our relationship with God very seriously and not treat it like a casual affair. One only puts all his heart, soul, mind and strength into something that he is very serious about. 

The benefits of weightlifting competitions are trophies and recognition; the benefits of a serious relationship with God are life-changing and eternal. Want to know how you can stay focused on God? It’s simple: identify all the things that are distracting you and just like those weightlifters, cut them out! No ifs no buts and no maybes. Just cut out the distractions. 

You know what people, places or things are taking your attention from God. Are they worth losing your salvation for? I think not! Let us get back on track, get focused and in return reap the benefits of a serious relationship with God.

You’ll be glad that you did!

May the God of the Bible bless you.      

Bishop Joshua Fonseca