It’s Opening Day in Major League Baseball and after a delayed start, teams will be playing in a shortened 60-game season. The Dodgers and the Yankees are the heavy favorites due to their stacked rosters, but the overall circumstances are so unusual that anything can happen this year.

One of the big adjustments big leaguers are going to have to make is the reality of playing their games in front of no fans. Even though some stadiums are used to smaller crowds and players are familiar with playing in front of fewer fans from their time in the minor leagues, overall it’s going to be a different atmosphere for everyone.

Steve Wine wrote an article for the Associated Press about Derek Jeter’s perspective on the upcoming season with the headline, “Jeter Says Focusing With No Fans Will be Key to Success.”

Jeter is the CEO of the Miami Marlins and he explained, “…it is going to take a lot of focus. The team that is focused the most and shows the most discipline ultimately in my opinion is going to be the team that’s standing at the end of the season.

“It is going to take you back to playing summer ball when you were in grade school and high school. It’s going to take you back to your true love of the game. It will be a challenge to focus.”

I recently wrote a devotional about self-disciple providing a competitive advantage for teams this season, but today I want to unpack the value of focusing on the right things in baseball and our own lives.

We are well aware of the distractions in life and I think most of us realize that to do something well and maximize what we’re doing, “it is going to take a lot of focus.”

Baseball players can say they want to be a great hitter or an elite pitcher, but if they aren’t focused during practice, training, and when stepping on the field for the game, they’re going to struggle.

Like players, if we want to have success in certain areas of life, we have to be willing to concentrate and give our full attention. If we want a thriving marriage, we have to focus on our spouse and make them a priority. It’s easy to get distracted by everything else, so we have to be aware of what’s most important and be attentive to their needs.

As followers of Jesus, our ultimate focus and mindfulness should be on Him, His ways, and His character.

If we truly love Him, then we’ll prevent our eyes and minds from wandering on other things that negatively affect our fellowship with Him.

Of course, it’s a challenge to focus on priorities when things on earth are stealing our attention and causing our minds to go in the wrong direction.

However, focusing on Him first, gives us the right perspective on our marriage, work, and parenthood. Instead of being worried about temporary concerns, when we focus on God first, then our other needs will be met.

As Matthew 6:33 (AMP) tells us, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

When we shift our focus away from Jesus and the cross, we struggle to love others well, show them grace, serve, demonstrate patience, and live with joy.

To have success in those areas, we must get refocused on Jesus being everything and God’s ways a priority.

That’s why we have to constantly remind ourselves of what Colossians 3:2 (ESV) instructs us to do: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Baseball players will choose whether they focus on empty ballparks, unique protocols, and inconveniences…or on hitting the ball properly and scoring runs.

Today, what will we focus on and where will we allow our minds to go?

Let’s keep our eyes fixed on God and cling to the encouragement found in Romans 8:5 (NLT): “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please show me where I’m losing focus and give me the right mindset to stay fixed on You. I pray I’d seek Your kingdom first, be controlled by the Holy Spirit, and not get distracted by things of this world. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.