tempts us. It is essential to remember that if our gaze is not directed appropriately, our hearts will wander just as easily.
In today's fast-paced world, distractions abound, appealing to individuals of all ages. With the rapid advancements in technology, we are constantly surrounded by vibrant colors, flashing lights, and relentless movement. Daily, we face diversions that can lead us away from our divine mission as children of God. While these distractions are not inherently negative, we must exercise discernment. As 2 Corinthians 2:11 cautions, we should not allow Satan to gain an advantage over us or remain ignorant of his schemes. Furthermore, challenges, passions, and emotions can serve as tools employed by the world and the enemy to divert our focus from Jesus.
Each of us who has encountered God has, at times, looked away. When we shift our focus to other matters, we distance ourselves from Him, which can result in discouragement. Our prayers may falter, our desire for connection with God may diminish, and darkness can obscure our vision. We may find ourselves less inclined to explore the Scriptures and more attracted to worldly concerns, leading our hearts away from the truth—and ultimately, from Christ.
Hebrews 12:2 serves as a crucial reminder in our journey toward the heavenly city, beginning with the imperative, "Looking unto Jesus." This foundational focus is vital for cultivating a close relationship with God. By keeping our eyes fixed on Him, we find assurance and safety amidst life's challenges. Through consistent focus on Him, we will witness His glory manifest in our lives daily.
¡Jesús, sé mi visión!
Written by: Skarlen Sabaris
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Our attention can easily wander, as we tend to be captivated by everything that sparkles, intrigues or tempts us. It is essential to remember that if our gaze is not directed appropriately, our heart will just as easily wander.
In today’s fast-paced world, distractions abound that appeal to people of all ages. With the rapid advances in technology, we are constantly surrounded by vibrant colors, flashing lights, and incessant movement. Daily, we face distractions that can draw us away from our divine mission as children of God. While these distractions are not inherently negative, we must exercise discernment. As 2 Corinthians 2:11 warns, we must not allow Satan to gain an advantage over us or remain ignorant of his plans. Furthermore, challenges, passions, and emotions can serve as tools employed by the world and the enemy to divert our attention from Jesus.
All of us who have had an encounter with God have looked away at times. When we divert our attention to other matters, we distance ourselves from Him, which can result in discouragement. Our prayers may falter, our desire to connect with God may diminish, and darkness may obscure our vision. We may feel less inclined to explore Scripture and more drawn to worldly concerns, drawing our hearts away from truth and, ultimately, from Christ.
Hebrews 12:2 serves as a crucial reminder on our journey toward the heavenly city, beginning with the imperative, “Look unto Jesus.” This foundational focus is vital to cultivating a close relationship with God. By keeping our eyes fixed on Him, we find security and protection amidst life’s challenges. If we consistently focus on Him, we will witness His glory manifest in our daily lives.
Let's reflect on ourselves: where are you looking right now? What is occupying your attention?
- The pleasures of this world
- Your problems
- Your feelings
- Material wealth
- Greed
- Jesus
- The Gospel
- The word of God
- Preaching to souls
- Helping your neighbor
- Worship God at all times
Take a moment to evaluate your closeness to God. Are you walking with intention, remembering that you are not of this world, but rather a pilgrim, as His Word describes? Dear friends, since you are “strangers and sojourners,” I urge you to turn away from worldly desires that wage war against your soul (1 Peter 2:11 ESV).
If your gaze has wandered, now is the time to refocus on Jesus. Put your trust in Him and let go of anything that hinders your spiritual path. Remember that perfection is unattainable in our current state; we are struggling to attain it. Every day, our fallen nature seeks to draw us away from God. However, in Christ, our weaknesses can bring us closer to Him. He uses our shortcomings to strengthen us, as His Word says, “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong’” (Joel 3:10). Give your weaknesses to the Lord and allow Him to strengthen you. However, for this transformation to occur, you must look to Him.
Our God is immensely merciful and renews His mercy toward us every morning. His grace abounds and His love dwells in us. So, dear brothers and sisters reading this message, renew your strength in the Lord, casting away all sin. If you have stopped praying, start again today. If you have stopped reading the Bible, open it now. If you have stopped worshipping, raise a voice of praise! Don’t give up; run the race. You are not alone. Across the world, we are united in spirit as the body of Christ, “fighting the good fight of faith,” with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hallelujah! 🙌