Bert Stiles, a member of a B-17 bomber squadron during World War II, volunteered for a second combat tour – this time as a fighter pilot. But just four months after completing his flight training, Stiles was killed in action while chasing a German FW190 fighter aircraft. His crash was attributed to “target fixation.”
The term originated when even experienced pilots like Stiles focused nearly exclusively on their target, neglecting evasive maneuvers to avoid other threats and colliding with their objective. Likewise, target fixation is considered today to be responsible for certain motorcycle crashes, parachuting disasters, ski accidents, and even 4-wheeler incidents. By nature, humans look where they want to go and follow where their eyes take them.
That’s why target fixation can also have positive outcomes … especially when it comes to your spiritual health.
Typical New Year’s resolutions proclaim what you won’t do – overeat, smoke, drink, overspend. Rather than fixate on what you won’t do, why not proclaim what you will do?
Use this opportunity to focus on your personal spiritual health. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Resolve to make Him your target fixation in the New Year.
Fixing your eyes on Jesus is a no-fail resolution because He does not fail, even if you do. “He is faithful to all His promises” (Psalm 145: 13) and “In Him it is always ‘Yes'” (2 Corinthians 1:19). In other words, God’s promises are realized through your partnership with Jesus – not you working alone.
Jesus modeled target fixation beautifully for us. He did not focus on the cross as His final destination. Rather, He fixated on the Resurrection and envisioned Himself seated at God’s right hand (Hebrews 12:2-3). As you look ahead to this year, resist the temptation to focus on how you will come up short spiritually. Instead, envision how Christ will change you.
