How can we "fix our eyes on Jesus" in daily life decisions? Setting the Lens: Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Why Our Gaze Matters • Eyes direct the body; focus directs the life (Matthew 6:22-23). • Daily choices shape lifelong discipleship (Luke 16:10). • Jesus stands as both example and enabler—He finished the race we’re running (Philippians 2:5-8). Practical Ways to Fix Our Eyes on Jesus in Decisions 1. Align Every Choice with His Word • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Begin decisions by asking, “What has God already said?” then open Scripture before opening calendars or wallets. 2. Seek His Kingdom First • Matthew 6:33—“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • Prioritize eternal impact over immediate comfort: job offers, relationships, purchases, schedules. 3. Pray without Ceasing • Philippians 4:6-7—bring requests with thanksgiving; His peace guards mind and heart. • Short, honest prayers throughout the day keep us tuned to His leading. 4. Rely on the Spirit’s Guidance • Galatians 5:25—“Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” • Look for the Spirit’s fruit (love, joy, peace…) as confirmation you’re tracking with Him. 5. Practice Scriptural Meditation • Colossians 3:1-2—set hearts and minds on things above. • Choose a verse each morning; revisit it before any major decision that day. 6. Invite Godly Counsel • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Surround yourself with believers who will point you back to Jesus, not simply echo preferences. 7. Embrace Obedient Action • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” • Once direction is clear, move forward promptly; delayed obedience erodes focus. Navigating Common Distractions • Fear of Man—counter with Proverbs 29:25 and remember Jesus’ approval matters most. • Overload of Options—simplify by filtering every alternative through 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Past Failures—Hebrews 12:1 urges laying aside every weight; confess, receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and continue. Tools God Provides • The Cross—reminds us decisions aren’t made to earn salvation but from gratitude for it. • The Resurrection—guarantees power to follow through (Romans 8:11). • The Church—offers accountability, encouragement, and shared wisdom (Hebrews 10:24-25). Running with Endurance • Set daily “checkpoints” (morning surrender, midday review, evening gratitude). • Celebrate small obediences; they train spiritual eyesight. • Keep the finish line in view: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Eyes fixed, feet follow. |