There are many beautiful things we can look at in this life. There are countless ventures we can endeavor to do. But not everything is profitable for us. (1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23) Nothing on earth is worth longing for, because everything on earth will pass away. (1 John 2:17; 2 Peter 3:10-12) No amount of temporal happiness or pleasure is worth sacrificing the riches of eternity. (Mark 8:36-37; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Like the Psalmist, we need to plead with God to turn our eyes from looking at what is worthless. (Psalm 119:37) Our gaze should ever and only be on things above, and not here on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2) Jesus is the priceless prize worth more than everything in this world combined. (Philippians 3:7-8; Matthew 13:44-46) He alone is worth desiring, and He alone is worth your life. (Psalm 73:25-26; Philippians 1:21)
What is it you desire most? Unless your answer is Jesus Christ, you may not spend eternity where you think you will. (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 14:26-33) To follow Jesus is not a one-time decision. To follow, by definition, is an ongoing process. There’s no such thing as a “get out of Hell free card.” Raising your hand to indicate you “accept Jesus into your heart” doesn’t save your soul. Only believing on the name of Jesus and acknowledging Him as the Lord that He is will result in a transformed heart. Genuine belief and surrender mean putting aside our old life along with its habits and desires. It means we turn our eyes away from what is dead and gaze upon the Savior who is alive. (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24)
The prophet Isaiah gives us a thorough description of a heart transformed by the grace of God. He writes that such a person is one who walks in righteousness, speaks truth, rejects greed and dishonesty, guards their ears from hearing wicked things, and shuts their eyes to sin. (Isaiah 33:15) When we turn our eyes and ears from evil and walk in His righteousness, the Lord will lift us on high, and be our refuge and provision. (Isaiah 33:16) Who wouldn’t take that deal? We live peaceful and quiet lives now (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Isaiah 26:3), and live in an even better state in the life to come. (Revelation 21:3-4; Revelation 22:1-5)
We must turn our eyes from all types of greed and temptation. All kinds of lusts fill this world, and all of them lead to us rejecting God and to death. (1 John 2:15-17) God’s Word says there is a way that seems right to us, but it always ends in death. (Proverbs 16:25) When we lean on our understanding, we reject God’s truth and His perfect plan for our lives. (Proverbs 3:5-7; Isaiah 55:8-9) Nothing in this world is worth that. We need to wake up and live this truth before we find out it’s too late. (Ephesians 5:13-17; Luke 12:35-40)
As we discipline our minds to turn our eyes away from the deceptive treasures of this world, we must redirect our gaze to things that are true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, of moral excellence, and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8) In other words, just look at Jesus. You won’t find anything or anyone more satisfying than our magnificent and beautiful Creator. He is the author and perfecter of life (Hebrews 12:1-2; Acts 3:15), so why look anywhere else to find meaning and fulfillment? To live is Christ, and there is nothing else. (Philippians 1:21; Colossians 3:4) Guard your eyes and you will guard your heart. Never surrender to the temporary pleasures of this world, but give everything to and for the glory of our King. (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17)