The mornings are getting cooler, and the leaves are beginning to change color. Fall has officially arrived and with it, our habits also change. Some of us set our mind on prepping for winter, while others enjoy activities such as hiking, country drives, and fall festivals. My favorite autumn activity is bow hunting.
Although it is a fun activity, bow hunting requires much practice, preparation, and mental focus. Stands must be set, lanes must be cleared, and hours must be spent in archery practice. In archery, mental focus is, perhaps, more important than physical effort. When I want to hit the target, my mental reminder is “Aim Small, Miss Small.” I have to train my eye to remain focused on the bulls-eye and ignore all the other distractions. When my focus is good, then my arrow finds target 90% of the time.
The concept of “Aim Small, Miss Small” applies to our spiritual life also. If our desire is to be more like Christ, then we must set our focus (our mind) on Him. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” When we “set our mind” on things above, then we have focused our thoughts and concerns on spiritual values and the things of God.
Romans 8:6 reads, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” This verse shows us the critical nature of setting our mind and focus on God. When we set our attentions on worldly things, it can lead to disastrous results and even death. However, when we meditate on the Gospel – Jesus’ atoning work of redemption for us – life and peace and joy result. Why? Because we were made to worship him. We were made to glory in the beauty, majesty, and splendor of our Creator.
I pray that you would take a moment, and check where your mind is set, and where you are aiming. If your aim is not on Christ, then be encouraged by the Gospel to look “to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Our eyes control where our body goes, and they reveal the target of our affections.
Keep your focus on Jesus.