FIXING YOUR EYES

Following your dream is always a theme many people love to talk about.  When you set your eyes on a goal to reach or a mission to conquer, we can get our eyes focused on just about anything.  What has been a struggle for me in my life is when I focus on the wrong thing.  You can fixate on the wrong subject matter and fall in ways you have to repent, turn around and change.

The older you get, the more you are realize how fixing your eyes on what matters most is the key.  In the world of film, you have to "plant a flagpole" in the ground and make sure the entire team is focused on the flagpole. When I talk to my dear friend John Dickey, the pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church I see a man whose church stands in the shadows of Oklahoma State University.  John grew up in college in that church and he is now the senior pastor some forty years later.

When I think of staying power, Norman Behymer has always been a hero to me.  His focus on helping Council Road Baptist Church grow is a symbol of legacy, loyalty and love.  He encourages many to keep their eyes on the prize, knowing what is the best prize possible.

Wendell Estep is the same way, my life long mentor where he serves as another minister at First Baptist Columbia South Carolina.  I had the great honor to work with him and serve he and his wife Lynda from 1981-1989 and enjoyed immeasurable insights, disciplines and more.  He has been at Columbia for thirty years and made a huge impact in people's lives, in building structures which stand as symbols of inspiration and hope in downtown Columbia.

Do you notice a trend here?  My favorite "mentors" are pastors who see their calling as sacred.  They are not perfect but they are committed and desiring to keep completely focused.  Do they get tired?  Absolutely they do and I suppose many times they lose heart and spirit.  However, they keep their eyes focused and continue to do the basics exactly the way they are responsible to make happen.  

When you make a decision in life about your future, keep your eyes focused on the primary goal.  Don't allow the distractions to take you away from the "best" directions.  The roads traveled which are less used, are often the most challenging, and also the most rewarding.  Where are you today and what direction are you heading?

Remember, there are going to be people who "spin everything" to take you off your focus, but don't fall for their schemes. Don't even focus on the negation, but instead serve the spirit behind your life.   Keep your eyes fixed on the highest and best use of your time.  Where I spend my time, is focusing on Christ.  Why?

Jesus understood everything we face each and every day.  You knew when trials came, where He would turn, which was to His father.  Do your fix your eyes on God?  Do you believe you can or should?  Consider following Christ and see how amazing your life can turn.  It's never to late, to begin again, so we are praying for you today.

Love you all,

​Kevin