Eternal Focus

In the summer of 2013, I was fired up for the upcoming 2013-2014 Tennessee Volunteers football season. Two local Sumner County standouts, Jalen Hurd and Josh Malone, had signed with the Vols, and after years of disappointing seasons, the team had a recruiting class that seemed poised for success. I can remember spending hours watching post-practice press conferences, studying the depth chart, and even pulling the trigger on season tickets. I was all in on this team.

My son and I attended every home game that season. In the end, the team finished 6-6. I had been obsessed with the team and the season, only for it to end in mediocrity. At the close of the season, I reflected on how much time and energy I had spent investing in something that ultimately meant nothing. I couldn’t help but wonder how different life might have looked if I had used that same passion to study God’s Word or invest in things with eternal significance rather than worldly pursuits. I imagined how much farther along I would have been in my spiritual walk if I had applied the same discipline I had devoted to the football team.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” As we set our goals for the New Year, I encourage you to focus on things with eternal value.

I still enjoy watching the Vols play, but I now save my deep research for the people involved with the team. Most importantly, I choose disciplines that bring me closer to my Creator.