Eyes on the prize

I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus
(Philippians 3:14, NIVUK) 

I love photography. More specifically, I love wildlife photography. More specifically (and more recently) I love taking pictures of kestrels and little owls in Richmond Park. I particularly love kestrels, because they have this odd mix, seeming royal and fragile at the same time. Almost like a little prince or princess just going about their day …
 
My appreciation of kestrels grew a bit recently when I was out taking pictures in Richmond Park on a particularly windy day. I noticed one kestrel scanning for prey from a low branch (they usually sit higher up in the trees), possibly because it was less affected by the wind. The really impressive thing was to see how quietly the kestrel kept its head while his whole body was swaying in the wind.
 
I saw this impressive skill again in a close-up video of a kestrel hovering in the wind while searching for prey. The wind was pushing it all over the place, but its head was still with eyes focussed on its next meal. It controlled its neck and did everything within its power to keep its head still and eyes focussed.
 
I think there’s a lesson for us and how we approach a Christian life and ministry in two ways: 

1. Keep your eyes on the prize. Always keep in mind what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. If our motivation for doing anything in the name of Jesus is not love, we need to rethink our approach. Read 1 Corinthians 13 again. A great way to gauge whether what we are doing is love-centred or not
2. Keep your eyes on the prize. Solomon says in Proverbs 4:23 to guard your heart above all else. Paul writes about the importance of what goes on in our minds as well (2 Corinthians 10:5 and Philippians 3:13-14; 4:8). If we keep our hearts and minds in line with Christ, the winds and storms of life will do little to take our eyes off our goal.

I’m not sure whether kestrels are born with this ability to contort their necks and bodies so that their heads are still and focussed in the wildest of winds. I don’t think we (humans) are born with the ability to keep our hearts and minds in check, it comes with practice and experience. Life gives us the opportunities to practice this skill (hardships, grief, success, failure, celebrations, etc.) God gives us the grace and experience to turn our eyes to him again and again, because he never lets us down or forsakes us. The winds may blow, but the Master remains the same.
 
A prayer - Lord Jesus, thank you for all the times you have been with me throughout my life. Thank you that you are always the same, no matter my circumstances. Help me keep the eyes of my heart and mind on you and you alone, that you may be glorified and honoured in my life. Amen.
 
Photo by Nico Marais on Unsplash