Fix your eyes on Jesus

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 BSB

In an article published by Runner's World recently titled, "Small Food Swaps in Your Diet Can Extend Your Life and Benefit the Planet," it was reported that a Health Nutritional Index (HENI), which rates more than 5,800 commonly consumed foods by the minutes of life lost or gained per serving eaten was created by the resource journal Nature Food. The study provided some of the first hard numbers for the health benefits (and burdens) of our food choices, both on their impact on our personal health and that of the environment. The study’s main take home message: By substituting 10 percent of your daily caloric intake from beef and processed meats for a mix of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and select seafood, you can reduce your dietary carbon footprint by one-third and gain 48 minutes of “healthy life,” meaning good-quality, disease-free life, per day. They went on to say, it’s worth noting that while there’s definitely merit to these health findings, try not to obsess over the foods you consume. Though it’s important to be aware of the nutritional content of what you’re eating, being fixated on every last detail isn’t healthy and can take the fun out of fueling your runs.

And you know, while being fixated on every last detail of a foods' nutritional content might not be healthy, fixing "our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." is absolutely crucial to our spiritual health. You see, our Savior, "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame...," provided the only way to salvation through His death and resurrection. Therefore, Jesus is the only One who can lead us to reach our final destination. Which means that we must keep our eyes constantly rooted, anchored, moored, and fixated on Him to avoid going off course, losing our focus or faltering in strength on our way to the finish line. 

So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus my friend. Run with all your might knowing that a reward awaits all those who fight the good fight, finish the race, and remain faithful... something that can only be done if you and I faithfully, unwaveringly, single-mindedly, and steadfastly fasten, lock and hold our gaze on the One who now sits "at the right hand of the throne of God” and guarantees our deliverance. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us just how important it for us to keep our eyes on You at all times if we want to finish this race. Cause us to understand how easy it is to allow sin to take us off course the moment we let our eyes gaze upon the world rather than on you Jesus. Please give us the strength to follow after You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!