Far-Sighted

Far-Sighted

“Turn my eyes from worthless things.” Psalm 119:37 NIV

I wear corrective lenses and have for more than two decades. When we find out we need lenses we usually hear a term like “near-sighted” or “far-sighted” to denote if we can see well close up or far away. Some people need regular glasses, bifocals or trifocals.  I suppose some might view this as a “defect” of vision. I know if I am not wearing my lenses I will be defective to anyone in my presence, especially if I am driving!

As far as our spiritual life goes, corrective “lenses” are necessary for everyone. We all need to have our spiritual eyes on as we walk through life. We need to be “far-sighted” with eternity in focus. Whatever is not of God and his will for our lives is going to be lumped under the “worthless” category.  This boils down to choice. Will we choose to put on our corrective lenses and focus on the eternal, or will we get lazy, not use our lenses and get caught up in what is not worthwhile? If we are not careful it can happen many times throughout the day.

“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! The then Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed.” Amos 5:14

“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and seek to maintain it.” 1 Peter 3:11

“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and seek to maintain it.” Psalm 34:14 (Yes, these verses in Old and New Testament are exactly the same!)

If we stay on our natural course, it will lead to evil. We must turn. Turn to God; turn to his word and our relationship and fellowship with him. This is the beginning of doing authentic “good”. Without our relationship with Jesus, any “good” is merely counterfeit and worthless. He alone is what makes a thing good and truly priceless. He alone sees the heart and the motives behind the good deed.  We can be hopelessly turned from God and still be doing “good”, but this type of good has no eternal value, it will be burned up as nothing.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

No amount of good will measure up in eternity when done apart from Jesus. Anything of lasting value and worth can only be accomplished through him. If we are truly Christ followers we must remain in fellowship with Jesus to keep our eyes on eternity. This is how we make every moment count for something. Is your life consumed with the temporary or eternal? Are you fixated on what can make you feel better now, or what will stand the test of fire when standing before Christ? Which lenses are you wearing; near-sighted or far-sighted?

How can we know what lasts for eternity? God says he cares about our hearts, and our secret motives. Anything done to the glory of God is something that will last for eternity. Sincere worship, service, acts of love and even scrubbing toilets! If it is done for God’s glory and obedience to him with an honest heart, it matters for eternity! These are the things precious eternal gems are made of; the type of gems and crowns we can lay down at his feet as an offering of gratitude for what he sacrificed for us! I know when I see Jesus, I don’t want to hand him a pile of rubble! I want to give him my all now, so I will not be ashamed on that day when I see him face to face! I want to be far-sighted every day with eternity in focus.

“It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12

“Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” Luke 12:31

“Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly.” Zephaniah 2:3

It’s time to dust off those far-sighted lenses and put them on! Or maybe you’ve never had them on? Ask God to give your heart an eternal focus every day in all you do. These are the people who are impacting lives and making a difference for eternity.

What have you done that will last for an eternity today? This “doing” starts with a sincere heart for God and his word.

Prayer

Thank you for being a holy and just God that looks at the heart rather than the outward appearance. Keep my heart pure before you; may all I do be out of sincere love for you. If I have been focused on worthless things, change my vision. Give me lenses to see what matters for eternity so that I can make the most of the time you have given me! Every day is a gift and I want to use it to glorify you. You alone deserve the praise and glory; there is none like you, Lord!

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