Fixing Our Eyes

HEATH, TX. (June 25, 2015) We drove along the desolate landscape of south Texas toward the Gulf of Mexico for our first ocean vacation as a family.

We finally came upon a colorful seaside village where the shops stood too close together to allow more than a glimpse of the water. As we circled to the backside of our hotel, we gazed in wonder at the ocean stretching to the horizon.

Making our way down to the beach later, we came upon a sea of towels that also stretched infinitely in both directions. We claimed a spot of sand to accommodate our belongings and then headed into the surf.

The powerful waves thrilled, without threatening us, but we soon discovered the ocean pulled to shore at an angle. While we romped in the water, it carried us away from our beach spot.

Since the job of keeping our things in sight fell to me, I noted the diminished view of our towels after each wave; before long, I could barely distinguish ours from the bright congregation of others. So, every few minutes we pushed back against the current to maintain our original position.

After tiring of that repeated effort, I realized the need for a clear point of reference. Then I saw it: a flagpole, just inland from our towels. Now I could enjoy the surf without fretting.

Like those mighty ocean currents, there’s a strong tide in this world that can pull followers of Christ from our firm foundation. Shifting ideologies contradict the knowledge of God. Forceful arguments and images confound our perspective of right and wrong. And if our faith focus is obscure these influences may carry us away from God’s plans and purposes.

The book of Hebrews tells us to keep “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (12:2; NAS).

And the apostle Paul warned believers to no longer be “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15).

If we stand firm in both God’s truth and his love, we’ll have a clear hope to offer others being carried away by the currents of this world.

By Blue Ribbon News guest columnist Patti Richter of Heath. Read her Good Faith columns at BlueRibbonNews.com.