Guarding Your Eyes
Psalm 101:3 declares, "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not fasten its grip on me." This powerful verse serves as a strong reminder of the importance of guarding what we allow into our line of sight. In a world overflowing with distractions and temptations, it’s vital to remain vigilant and ensure that our eyes, and therefore our hearts, stay focused on what is pure and worthy.
Jesus highlights the importance of our focus in Matthew 6:22-23: "The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." Here, Jesus emphasizes that what we choose to look at has a profound impact on our spiritual well-being. A clear eye, fixed on good and godly things, fills our entire being with light. Conversely, an eye drawn to worthless or evil things brings darkness into our lives.
Proverbs 4:25 supports this by urging us to keep our gaze straight ahead: "Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you." This wisdom from Proverbs aligns perfectly with Psalm 101:3’s call to reject worthless things. It encourages us to remain focused on our spiritual goals and not be sidetracked by distractions.
In the New Testament, Paul advises believers to set their minds on higher things. Colossians 3:2 states, "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." This verse calls us to elevate our focus beyond earthly distractions and fix our eyes on heavenly matters. It echoes the sentiment of Psalm 101:3, urging us to turn away from worthless things and seek what is eternally valuable.
The psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:37 reflects a deep desire for divine help in this area: "Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways." This heartfelt plea acknowledges the human tendency to be drawn to vain and worthless things and seeks God’s intervention to refocus on His ways.
Romans 12:2 further underscores the necessity of a transformed perspective: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." By renewing our minds and focusing on what is good, we align our vision with God’s will, ensuring that no worthless thing occupies our attention.
In conclusion, Psalm 101:3 calls us to a higher standard of visual purity and focus. By intentionally rejecting worthless things and setting our eyes on what is pure and righteous, we can fill our lives with light and avoid the darkness that comes from focusing on sin and worldly distractions. Let us make a covenant with our eyes, seek God’s help, and commit to setting our gaze on what truly matters.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. Besides writing this Blog, I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email Dean: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com