Fixing Our Thoughts on Christ

Hebrews 2:18 – 3:1
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted,

he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling,

fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

When my son was in second grade, his teacher taught the class a lesson on estimation in mathematics. To encourage the thinking process, she instructed the students not only to give an answer to the problem, but to write what they were thinking as they worked. My son gave a very honest answer: “When I am trying to estimate, I think to myself, ‘This is hard.’”

As a runner, how often have you found yourself saying those three words? I find myself thinking them too often: during a tough training run, running uphill or into the wind, during the final segment of a race. I’ve even said it out loud while running: This is hard.

Sports psychologists have told us for years that what we think and say affects our attitudes and actions. Without even trying to be Biblical, they speak of a key spiritual truth. What we think and believe affects our spiritual performance and can affect our spiritual walk too.

The writer of Hebrews tells us to fix our thoughts on Jesus as He is the one to help us during our temptation. What is our temptation when things get hard? The temptation may be to deny God’s power, to doubt God’s will, or to quit.

The challenges we endure in both our physical and spiritual races can be part of God “working us out” so that He can equip us for other works He has called us to. When you complete a difficult workout, look to God and acknowledge His power in the circumstance. Trust that He has promised to be faithful during times of temptation. But more importantly, look to Him to deliver you the next time you are tempted during your walk with Him. You can trust that you will find deliverance from the temptation and strength for the task.

Faithful Lord, help us in all situations to shift our thoughts from the difficulty of the circumstance to the hope that is in You. Remind us of Your immeasurable power that lives within us. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.