"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" Colossians 3:1-3, 23.
We as Christians should have one goal in mind, to stay in this race of life until the end. We refuse to become dropouts. We have the same goal in mind that Paul had, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which ae behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-21. Our enemy will try to get our eyes off the prize, but we must stay focused. God gave Joshua instructions on how to stay focused so that he would always be victorious. God told him, "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This Book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shall make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:7-9.
"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." Philippians 3:15-16 (Message). God warns us in His Word, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27 (NIV). We must stay focused on the things that are right and not allow the devil to distract us with his tricky devices. Remember the fable about the tortoise and the hare? The race isn't won by those who are fast and strong, but by those of us who will stay the course, focused on the things of the Kingdom of God, right to the end of the race. Stay filled up with Jesus, through our eye gate and our ear gate; keep our minds stayed on Him. Then there will be no room for anything else. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.
