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Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

One of the things that I look forward to in spring is being able to get my bike out and ride when the weather is nice enough. I enjoy the fresh air that rushes by and the opportunity to take in the beautiful sights of God’s creation.

When riding a bicycle, your head plays an important role. For whatever reason, your bike tends to go the way your head is pointed. If you are looking at some beautiful scenery off to your right, you find yourself drifting that way, and if you’re not careful, you can quickly find yourself off the path. Safe riding requires keeping your eyes focused on where you are going.

As believers in Jesus, safely navigating our way through life requires much the same thing—keeping our eyes focused on what is ahead. There are plenty of distractions and countless things that draw our attention and pull our focus toward them.

The distractions are very real. Financial difficulties, health problems, and relationship crises demand our attention, with the threat of even larger problems if not dealt with immediately. The pleasures available to us create good and satisfying feelings, but only for a little while.

What will truly last is where our focus belongs. The eternal life that Jesus has won by his death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave is a good and satisfying joy that will last forever. As we travel the path through this life that leads to heaven, our focus belongs on the eternal life that has been won for us.

Nothing in this world that seeks to draw your attention will last. The eternal prize that Jesus has won for you will last forever, and nothing that happens here in this world can change that fact. Live your life focused on the gift of eternal life that is yours through Jesus.

Jesus, my Savior, forgive me for the times I have allowed things to crowd you out of my mind and heart. Help me to focus on what is truly important and will last: the eternal life you have given me by your death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.