“Fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” - Hebrews 12:2
A ball spinning on a seal’s
nose and a child’s twirling toy top have little in common except that both of
their performances require balance. This reminds me of the fact that life also
requires a balancing act. We often find ourselves thrown off center by
confusion and catastrophe, which come when we least expect it. Our normal
peaceful life spins out of control, just like the top and the ball, if they are
disturbed. Each compartment of our life, which we meticulously created to
provide us with security and a safe haven, suddenly tilts to one side like the
Tower of Pisa.
We get disoriented and feel insecure and fearful. Reacting with negative emotions can create even more problems, because we panic and make poor decisions. We hectically, yet unsuccessfully, try to manage the disruptive people and events in our life in an attempt to make us feel safe again. But this never helps. In fact, it usually increases our anxiety, when these people react to the frustration we create in their lives.
Part of the problem occurs
when we acquire more possessions than we need. Our life slowly sinks under a
burden of stress created by trying to pay for this accumulation. Another factor
comes if we lean toward making sinful decisions, because we end up reaping what
we sow. A third aspect occurs when we tilt under the weight of the demands,
which others place on our life.
So, what is the solution? We
owe it to our self to simplify our life. We accomplish this in many different
ways. We can sell off some of our accumulated goods and discipline our spending
habits. We can make wise choices and maintain an unadulterated life of purity
and serenity. We can also find a balance between what people need
from us and what God wants us to do for them. Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us that worry never helped anyone. Peace comes
only by trusting God to order our lives according to His will. He generously
provides all of our necessities, even when life disintegrates before our eyes,
if we will walk in obedience to His Spirit.
James exhorts us to keep a
positive attitude throughout difficulties and temptations. He tells us that in
this way our patience has a chance to grow. Then, patience gets us ready for
anything life throws at us (James 1:2-4).
Adversity develops strong character in us, which helps us to withstand the
disheartening uncertainty of life and to ward off the eventual panic when it
arises.
Paul admonishes us, in Hebrews 12:2, to keep our eyes on Jesus. By following the examples from Jesus’ life, we learn how to successfully live our own life. He prayed before beginning each day of ministry (Mark 1:35). He lived in the moment and did not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:33-35). Jesus listened to His Father and followed His will in every word and deed. His focus stayed on God’s kingdom rather than on amassing worldly goods and fame. Ultimately, He humbled Himself, even to the point of death on the cross.
Prayer:
Thought for the Day:
