What is the Danger of Taking Your Eyes Off of Jesus? (Part 5)
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
This article will close out our five-part series examining the dangers of taking our eyes off of Christ. Thus far, we have examined the examples of:
These men, as followers of Jesus, took their eyes off of Him to focus on other things. It is a true temptation for us to do the same because of all the distractions in our world.
The Example of the Church at Laodicea.
As we finish out our study, we want to discuss the church at Laodicea known as the “lukewarm” church. Jesus addressed this congregation of Christians recognizing that they had taken their eyes off of Him.
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 3:14-22).
What the members said and thought did not match their actions. In other words, the proclamation did not match the demonstration! They said that they were “rich, wealthy, and had need of nothing” but according to Jesus, they were “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” They were instructed to be zealous and repent meaning they needed to shift their focus back to the Lord!
Failing to See the Need for Change.
Today, so many fail to see the truth. There are many reasons for this including, but not limited to, ignorance of what the Bible says, failure to accurately see what is happening, or just a lack of interest in changing at all.
To illustrate, we consider someone going to see the doctor. He or she has an issue that is affecting their heart. The doctor tells them that a healthy diet and consistent workout regimen could greatly help them and relieve some of the stress on their heart. Imagine the patient telling the trained physician that nothing was wrong and that they didn’t need to change anything.
How much more foolish for one to question the great Great Physician Who can see the truth of our spiritual status!
The Danger of Closing Our Eyes to the Truth.
Turning a blind eye to the truth is extremely dangerous. This would be an example of taking your eyes off of Christ for He is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6).
James paints the picture of one who fails to see clearly his or her spiritual status:
"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (Jas. 1:21-25).
What is Required to Change?
The first thing required is humility. One must be humble enough to recognize where he or she is at spiritually and honestly assess their weaknesses.
Second, it is required to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only” because that brings about deception. James connects the “perfect law of liberty” (i.e the New Testament — Law of Christ) with a mirror.
When we open up our Bibles, we see an accurate reflection of who we are. Looking into the “mirror” and closing our Bibles only to say, “I don’t need to change anything. There is nothing I need to improve upon and I’m good,” is to take our eyes off of truth.
Hopefully and prayerfully, this study has been beneficial for you.
Examining the examples of Peter, Judas, Demas, Simon, and now the church at Laodicea will help us to see the importance of fixing our eyes on Christ (Heb. 12:1-2)!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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