“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22
What do you have your eye on? It can be the difference between light and dark.
We’re told a mind set on the things of God is life and peace, but a mind set on this world is death and destruction. What’s your mind on?
We’re told to think on what is lovely and good and praiseworthy. There’s a reason for it.
Is what you are feeding your mind bringing light or darkness into your heart?
Is your media intake bringing life or death into your mind and heart?
Is what you are dwelling on bringing life or death into your mind and heart?
Are you stewing on something someone did or said or what someone didn’t do or say? We’re self-inflicting wounds when we’re embracing unforgiveness, resentment, offense, and other hurts. But we can guard our hearts and bring light into our hearts when we forgive, let go, not take offense in the first place, and have a soft heart of compassion for others.
Where are our eyes in these things?
I can’t find a quote, but it was Elizabeth Elliot I heard say something like, “There’s nothing more depressing than looking at yourself.” We don’t look at ourselves and what we want and think we need from others. Looking inward will darken our eye. We need to look up to let in the light.
But looking up and out isn’t looking to the world and to the news or to entertainments and distractions. Looking up is seeing a God of love who is always good and in control and absolutely perfect in all His ways. It’s having our faces turned to Him so that we reflect the light of His countenance out into the world, receiving His love, but always pouring it back out.
Love God and love others is THE command of the Bible. It’s not just for the sake of God and others. It’s what your heart was made for. It will fill your heart with life and light.
(Scriptures referenced in the first few paragraphs: Romans 8:6, Philippians 3:19, Philippians 4:8)