WORD FOR THE WEEK

God tells us in I John 2:15-16 not to "love the world or anything in the world." And we learn that "everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does" does not come from the Father.


The lust of his eyes. This phrase reminds me of Psalm 119:37 where David prayed, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things."


What do you need to quit looking at?
          the television
          the computer
          clothes
          shoes
          home furnishings or decor
          that good-looking hunk who isn't your spouse
          a bigger house
          racy, romantic novels
          movies


Another version translates that Psalm as "Turn away my eyes from beholding idolatry." Are you making clothes or a bigger house an idol? Clothes and houses aren't bad...unless they become idols in your life. Is there anything that makes you discontent because you can't have it? Are you in bondage because of it?


This week think about the things you look at. If they are idols or on their way to becoming idols, ask God to remove them and then keep your eyes from looking at them.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.