Where Are Your Eyes Fixed?

Where Are Your Eyes Fixed?

In our journey of faith, it's easy to become distracted by the myriad concerns of daily life. We often find ourselves fixated on the past, consumed by the present, or anxious about the future. But what if we were called to focus our gaze on something far greater? This is the powerful message that emerges from Paul's letter to the Philippians, particularly in chapter 3.

Paul paints a vivid picture of the Christian life as a race, with our eyes firmly fixed on the finish line - eternal life with Jesus Christ. He writes, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). This imagery is not just poetic; it's deeply practical and transformative.

Consider for a moment the power of where we fix our gaze. In mountain biking, a seasoned rider knows that the bike will go where the eyes are looking. Focus on the obstacles, and you're likely to hit them. But keep your eyes on the narrow path ahead, and that's where you'll navigate. Our spiritual lives operate similarly. What we focus on shapes the direction of our souls.

Paul challenges us to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. This isn't about ignoring our past or dismissing our present circumstances. Rather, it's about orienting our entire being towards the ultimate goal - the resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

But what does this look like in practice? It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to have everything figured out or perfectly settled before we can truly focus on our spiritual journey. We might tell ourselves, "Once I get my career sorted out," or "After I've resolved these family issues," then I'll be ready to really pursue God. Paul's message cuts through these excuses. He reminds us that the Christian life is not about achieving perfection or resolution in this world, but about pressing on towards Christ regardless of our circumstances.

Interestingly, Paul writes this letter while in prison, facing an uncertain future. He doesn't know if he'll be released, put on trial, or executed. Yet in this state of complete lack of resolution, he maintains his focus on eternity. This serves as a powerful reminder that our faith journey isn't meant to be fully resolved until we reach eternity. It's not supposed to all make sense right now.

This perspective gives us permission to struggle and wrestle with our faith. Just as Jacob wrestled with God, our spiritual journey often involves grappling with difficult questions and circumstances. But here's the beautiful truth - in this wrestling, we come into close proximity with God. There's an intimacy that develops in the struggle, much like the physical closeness experienced in wrestling or martial arts.

Paul's message isn't about questioning the security of our salvation. Rather, it's an acknowledgment that the journey is hard and often unclear, but secured in the promises of Jesus Christ. This gives us the freedom to not have everything figured out right now.

So where should our eyes be fixed? Paul provides a contrast between those whose minds are set on earthly things and those whose citizenship is in heaven. He uses politically charged language that would have resonated with his original audience in Philippi. The city had recently gained Roman citizenship, which brought significant benefits and security. Paul flips this concept on its head, reminding believers that their true citizenship - and thus their ultimate security and hope - is in heaven.

This raises an important question for us today: Who are we watching? Whose example are we following? Paul warns against those who find their salvation in worldly things, whether it's political power, financial security, or social status. Instead, he encourages us to model our lives after those who find their hope in the eternity of Jesus Christ.

In our modern context, this might mean being cautious about voices that elevate political affiliations above faith in Jesus. It could mean being discerning about the media we consume and the influencers we follow. The people and content we give our attention to shape us, often in subtle but profound ways.

Importantly, this focus on eternity doesn't mean we abandon our earthly responsibilities or concerns. It's not a call to retreat from the world. Rather, it's about maintaining the right perspective - seeing our current circumstances, challenges, and opportunities through the lens of our eternal calling in Christ.

As we navigate life's complexities, we're invited to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This doesn't mean we'll always feel a burning passion or constant emotional high in our spiritual walk. Sometimes, following Christ will feel like work. It might even feel fruitless or discouraging at times. But Paul's message encourages us to press on, to strain forward, knowing that our ultimate goal is secure in Christ.

In practical terms, this might look like:

1. Regularly reminding ourselves of our eternal hope through prayer, scripture reading, and worship.
2. Being intentional about the examples we follow and the voices we listen to.
3. Viewing our current circumstances, both joys and challenges, in light of eternity.
4. Engaging in community with other believers who encourage us to keep our eyes on Christ.
5. Practicing gratitude for the eternal perspective we've been given in Christ.

As we fix our eyes on Jesus and the eternity He promises, we find the strength to press on through life's uncertainties and challenges. We're reminded that our current struggles are not the end of the story. There's a finish line ahead, and it's gloriously good.

So today, where are your eyes fixed? What's capturing your attention and shaping the direction of your life? May we be a people who, like Paul, can say with confidence, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."