“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
- If the heroes of faith in Hebrews had looked back, they would not have obtained the prize. (Hebrews 11:15)
- If the elders in the church of Ephesus had succeeded in discouraging Paul from going to Jerusalem, he would have missed the divine appointment to preach salvation to the Rome. (Acts 20:17-end)
- If Jesus had listened to Peter’s sympathetic words instead of rebuking him, He would have grieved the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 16:22-23)
The biggest temptation we face as believers is to look at life, it’s situations and adversities from a human point of view because we are tempted to act opposed to God’s will and in doing so we are grieving the Holy Spirit of God, by Whom we were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
Paul asked the Galatians why having begun in the spirit, they thought they could advance in their faith by human effort. “Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3 Examine your life in the light of this question.
Remember we are saved by grace, through faith. If you realise that you are judging yourself, others and your life by the standards of this world, instead of Christ’s standards, reset your focus. Fix your focus on Jesus through His Word and by His Spirit. Focusing on Him will put everything else into perspective.
