On March 25, 2022, #2 Texas played #16 Texas Tech. The game went into extra innings after Texas Tech tied the game at four runs. In the bottom of the tenth inning, Aaron Nixon walked Kurt Wilson. After a walk and a sacrifice bunt, Wilson made it to third base. Nixon proceeded to strike out the next two batters. He had two strikes on the batter when Wilson stole home for the win. How did Wilson steal home on a right-handed pitcher? Every time Nixon got a sign from the catcher, he would look at the ground for roughly three seconds. Nixon’s loss of focus allowed Wilson to rush home. Wilson was so prepared to steal home that Nixon looked up in time to see him slide across the plate. Three seconds looking at the ground earned Wilson a loss for the game.
How often do we lose focus on our spiritual walk with the Lord? It is so easy to get wrapped up with everything going on around us that we take our eyes off Jesus. Notice the encouragements given in the New Testament. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15 NKJV). “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 21).
As those who follow Jesus, we must pay attention to our spiritual lives. We cannot allow the cares and the temptations of this world to hinder our daily walk with the Lord. We need to maintain our focus on the Savior and to strive to live according to His Word. If we try to go it alone, we may find ourselves lost when this life ends. Let us be watchful over our lives and be prepared for the Lord’s return.
