FOCUS, n. A central point; point of concentration.

The Greek word used for "fixing" in the verse quoted is aphorao, to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something, with the implication of trust: fix one's eyes trustingly to or on someone.

The context of this verse is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus as we go through the race that is our life; surrounded by those who went before, knowing that one day we will also be in eternity. We will finish the race, one way or another.

The presidential campaign is in full force here in the United States. Everyone, it seems, has already taken their stand, chosen their side. We look at men we have never met, who we will probably never really know, and decide that we know who they are and what they stand for. This afternoon, the threat level was raised for New York, Washington DC, and New Jersey financial buildings. A young woman, it seems, has been killed by her husband. Be alert! Watch out! These ARE stressful times, no question about that.

In the meantime, the seconds, minutes, hours, days, in our personal lives go on. Our children grow, our friends move away, we meet new people and establish new relationships. We go to our jobs, clean our houses... life goes on. Not just life... OUR lives.

This is the life only you can live. Surrounded by people only you can touch. This is your moment in time. This is your history.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses [referring to the saints that have come before 'men of whom the world was not worthy'] surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance [weight, burden, impediment], and the sin [departures from the way of righteousness] which so easily entangles [easily distracts] us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith."

Do not loose track of what you are responsible for. In the end, we are here for a purpose, we have a part to play. in our lives we are the central characters. Concentrate on that... work at being the best you can be... live up to your potential... draw closer to God, keep your eyes on Jesus... focus on the race that is yours to win. This we can control, this we can influence, this we can change. For this we will have to answer... Focus!