Perseverance

Choosing a focal point

Physical activity

Observe how “focused” a gymnast appears during their balance beam routine. Try walking on your own balance beam.

Discussion point: Let’s fix our focus on God, and on pleasing Him.

Have you ever noticed how “focused” gymnasts appear when they perform a routine on a balance beam? They keep their attention fixed on a single point ahead of them.

To help your kids discover the importance of staying focused in order to complete a task, invite them to try walking, like a gymnast, across their own balance beam. (Set up a board in your yard about a foot above the ground, or find a suitable rail in a playground.) Invite your children to try walking across the “beam” with their attention fixed on a focal point ahead. Next, have them try the same task without a focal point.

Questions for discussion
  • What do you think would happen if a gymnast took their eyes off their focal point while they were on the beam?
  •  When you were walking along your balance beam, was it easier or harder when you focused on a point in the distance?
  • Where does the Bible say our focus should be?
Key concepts

When we focus on God, it is much easier to follow Him. Jesus fixed His eyes on God so He was able to endure the pain of dying on the cross for our sins. When we take our eyes off God, it becomes much more difficult to live in a way that pleases and honours Him.

Relevant Scripture

Hebrew 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Proverbs 4:25-27 “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”