Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, and Fixing Our Focus on Christ
- Norm Rentscher
- Mar 30
- 6 min read
Marksmanship is the skill of accurately and consistently hitting a target with a firearm. In the world of marksmanship, two principles are key: sight alignment and sight picture. Together, they determine accuracy. A shooter must align their sights and focus on the correct target, ignoring distractions. Their aim determines their success.
Just as the marksman’s accuracy depends on their sight alignment, our spiritual direction depends on where we fix our focus. As Russell M. Nelson taught, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. So, where is our focus?
Sight Alignment: Fixing Our Focus on Jesus Christ
In marksmanship, sight alignment ensures the front and rear sights are properly lined up before aiming at the target. Misalignment causes the shot to veer off course, no matter how steady the shooter’s hand is. The shooter will adjust their body positioning to ensure their sight is properly aligned.
In our spiritual lives, sight alignment represents where our hearts and minds are fixed. Are we aligning ourselves with Christ and His teachings? Do our thoughts, desires, and actions align with Him? What truly holds our focus?
Jesus instructs us: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36). When Christ is at the center of our focus, our actions naturally align with Him.
When we align ourselves with Jesus Christ:
Our priorities shift from distractions to eternal truth.
We gain peace, knowing that our lives are directed by His wisdom, rather than our limited understanding.
We find resilience, remaining steady, despite life’s uncertainties.
Sight Picture: Seeing Life Through the Lens of Jesus Christ
After aligning our sights, we need a clear sight picture – a sharp and focused view of the target. In spiritual terms, this means keeping Christ at the center of how we see life. A proper sight picture ensures clarity in decision-making and purpose.
Life bombards us with distractions—uncertainties, trials, social pressures, and personal struggles. Spiritually, Christ is our sight post, and the blessings/growth of an eternal heavenly life is our focus (our target or goal). When we focus our lives on Jesus Christ and align our efforts and thoughts with our eternal goal, we are more likely to hit the desired target. If we shift our focus away from Christ – even slightly – our spiritual “shot” will miss its mark. Distractions can blur our vision. If we focus too much on the distractions around us, we will miss our target.
Sometimes we misalign our focus, letting circumstances influence our happiness instead of Christ. For example, we may struggle to find joy (target) because we are weighed down by past failures, poor decisions, or missed opportunities (focus). Instead of dwelling on 'what could have been,' we can focus on what God is making possible. Perhaps we seek validation from others (target), which can lead to disappointment. If our happiness depends on how others perceive us, we’ll always feel like we are chasing an unattainable standard. But when Jesus remains at the focus of our vision, our perspective shifts. We can allow the weight of the past to be removed by Christ, so together we can focus more on the future (target). We come to realize our divine worth through the eyes of Jesus, and so what others think has less weight.
When we fix our sight picture on Christ:
We see trials as opportunities for growth.
We gain perspective on what truly matters.
We experience His blessings more fully.
When our focus is on Jesus and the joy His influence can have on us, then life’s circumstances do not dictate our level of joy. Rather, happiness comes from the alignment of our lives with Christ (focus) knowing that we are on the path/direction to reach our intended target.
Just like an experienced marksman tunes out distractions to steady their aim, we must tune out the noise of the world to keep our focus fixed on Christ. Without this focus, fear and confusion take over. But when we keep our focus fixed on Him, our life is filled with greater purpose, peace, and joy.
The Battle for Focus
Every day, we fight for our focus. The enemy’s greatest weapon is distraction—if he can steal our focus, he can weaken our faith. The Apostle Paul warned: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
When Peter walked on water, he stayed afloat as long as his focus remained on Christ. But when he took his focus from Christ and instead turned his attention (focus) to the storm, he began to sink. “But when he saw the wind boisterous, [Peter] was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30).
What is pulling your focus away from Christ? The adversary doesn’t need to destroy us—he just needs to keep us distracted.
Finding a Place of Calm: Clearing the Noise to Focus on Christ
A skilled marksman understands the importance of stilling the body and quieting the mind before taking a shot. Any unnecessary movement – whether from shaky hands, uneven breathing, or external distractions can throw off accuracy. The marksman must find a place of calm to steady their aim. If their breathing is rushed, their shot will be unstable. If they let outside noise rattle them, their target becomes unclear.
Similarly, in our spiritual lives, if we are constantly surrounded by noise, busyness, and distractions, it becomes more difficult to focus on Christ. To truly focus on Christ, we must create moments of stillness where we can more easily hear His voice. When our world is too loud, we struggle to hear the whisperings of the Spirit.
This is why Christ often sought solitude to commune with His Father. Before major moments in His ministry, He withdrew from the crowds to pray. If Jesus sought stillness to connect with His Father, how much more do we?
To refocus on Christ, we must remove distractions and create a sacred space where we can hear Him. Daily prayer, scripture study, and intentional quiet moments allow us to realign our spiritual sights.
Where Your Focus Is, Your Life Will Follow
In 2 Nephi 31:20, we are told to press forward with "a steadfastness in Christ"—not just believing in Him but fixing our hearts and minds on Him daily. The people in 4 Nephi 1:15-16 lived in peace and joy, not because their lives were free from challenges, but because "the love of God dwelled in their hearts."
Now, compare that to today’s world – filled with anxiety, division, and spiritual fatigue. The difference isn’t the circumstances. It’s the focus.
The prophet Alma taught: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6). Even small shifts in focus – choosing prayer over endless scrolling, service over complaining, or trust over fear – bring great results and lead to a life of peace and joy.
How to Align Your Spiritual Sights
Like a marksman adjusting their aim, we must deliberately align our sights on Christ. Here’s some suggestions:
Check Your Focus Regularly – Ask yourself: What is my mind fixed on today? If it's on stress, fear, or distractions, redirect your focus to Christ.
Create Stillness – Remove distractions. Set aside time daily to pray, ponder scripture, listen to uplifting music, and listen for heavenly promptings.
Refocus When Distracted – Life will pull your attention away. When you drift, realign your sights. Attending regular worship is more than a routine; it’s an opportunity to recalibrate our spiritual alignment, and ensure Christ is our focus.
Surround Yourself with Light – Fill your thoughts with Christ-centered influences – music, media, and conversations that uplift.
Fight for Your Joy – The world won’t hand you peace. You must fight for it by fixing your focus on Christ daily. Helping others aligns our hearts with Christ and helps put life circumstances in better perspective. In the process we are uplifted.
Final Thoughts: Where is Your Focus?
Just as a marksman’s success depends on precision and focus, so does ours in following Christ. Are your sights aligned with Him? Is your vision clear? What’s pulling your focus away from Christ today? Imagine the peace that comes from refocusing on Him. Pause. Realign. Fix your eyes on Christ—and watch as He brings clarity, strength, and joy to your journey. By consistently fixing your heart and mind on Jesus Christ, you can navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and peace.
Join the Conversation:
Comment below: How do you refocus on Christ when distractions arise? Share what helps you stay spiritually aligned with Christ!
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