"You steer where you stare." I recently heard this statement from Jimmy Dykes, an ESPN and SEC basketball analyst, while speaking to a group of seniors from Gibbs High School. It conveys a powerful truth: the things we regularly focus on ultimately shape the direction of our lives. In other words, where we direct our attention often captures our hearts. What we choose to look at or allow to dominate our mental and spiritual vision will inevitably influence who we become and where we go in life.

The biblical concept of "steering where you stare" is rooted in Proverbs 23:7, which states, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” This suggests that a person’s thoughts, particularly what they perceive through their eyes and allow into their hearts, will shape their character and behavior. Our internal focus—what we believe, our attitudes, and our thought patterns—eventually manifests in our external lives. If we believe in a positive and faith-filled way, our lives will reflect those thought patterns. Conversely, if we allow our minds to become consumed by fear, bitterness, selfishness, or pride, our actions will eventually reflect that too. We must realize that our internal world becomes the blueprint for our external reality.

I believe that God wants each of us to live with purposeful direction rather than aimlessly drifting through life. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to focus on Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith." This means we should fix our eyes on the Lord so that our lives align with what pleases Him. This practice is not merely a mental exercise; it is a spiritual discipline. By recognizing God's promises and truths, we can continuously realign ourselves with His will. Remember, "we steer where we stare."

Here are a few ways we can guard our gaze and, in doing so, find clear direction in our lives:

First, we should start each day by recalibrating our thoughts with God's Word before the world has a chance to shape our perceptions. Allowing our eyes to see His truth from the very beginning of each new day is essential.

Second, practice daily gratitude. For a devoted follower of God, worship should never be limited to Sundays; it should be a daily practice that helps us re-center our lives. Thankfulness acts as a compass for the soul—it not only acknowledges where we are but also helps steer us toward where we are meant to go.

Third, always keep Jesus in your line of sight. In every circumstance and situation, make Christ your reference point for handling temptation, stress, decisions, and direction.

Lastly, stay focused by surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to align with God’s will and direction for your life. Remember that "evil communications corrupt good manners." The people you spend time with will often influence your path. Godly friendships can make the difference between doing God’s will or compromising your destiny. By applying these daily practices, you don’t just change what you focus on; you transform who you are becoming.

In today's world, distractions are everywhere—whether it's the constant buzz of notifications on our phones, endless scrolling on social media, or the pressure of daily responsibilities, our focus is constantly being pulled in many directions. Recently, I appreciated the insights of a sports analyst who, emphasized the importance of protecting our future by guiding our focus. As a man in my mid-40s involved in ministry, I needed that reminder too! The saying, “You steer where you stare,” holds profound truth and prompts us to make a conscious choice about what we choose to focus on. Ultimately, what we concentrate on will either fuel our faith or feed our fears. If we become what we behold, we must consider today: What are we staring at?