We never know just what it is that can trip us up. We walk along in life without a thought to the traps being set for us. We must be careful.
For some reason, today, I found myself singing: “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above is looking down with love, be careful little eyes what you see.” I don’t recall when I learned that little song, but its simple lyrics pour forth tremendous truth. It goes on to warn: “Little hands, feet, ears, mouth”. Each gives caution to guard what we do with our hands. Where we go with our feet. What we listen to with our ears. What we say with our tongues. There are so many warnings we could add to that little song: hearts–what they hold; minds–what they dwell upon; desires–what they long for.
Why is that so important in the scheme of things? Perhaps because our faithfulness depends upon the health and well-being of all we are. Everything that collects in our hearts flows forth into every relationship we have–be it with others here on earth–or our Father above.
“For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].” 1 John 2:16 Amplified
Everything in this world has the possibility of being in conflict with the Almighty God. Everything has the means to draw us away from our Lord, claim our attention, our loyalty, our allegiance.
Some worship earth–creation itself; they care more about minnows than people having water to grow crops. Some worship the moon, the sun, the stars. People literally get up each morning and read their horoscopes to determine what they will or will not do. Others take such pride in their work, they cannot see or acknowledge the Creator who gave them ability to accomplish all they do. Others must have more and more, and better and better; they live lives of constant discontentedness.
We crave things which satisfy, comfort and give pleasure — to the eyes, to ears, to mind, to heart. If it feels good, we do it–regardless of others and how they feel about it. When work is more important than a means by which to live, and becomes an obcession to attain status or position to feed one’s ego, we are guilty of serving the world–not the Father. Indeed, we serve the prince of this world. With what did Satan tempt Eve in Eden? Things she could “know”, “see”, “be”.
I relate. I have been there. I go there still. It’s a never-ending battle. The world draws. Illumines. Colors. Coaxes. Entices. Just when I think I am putting God first, something pops up and draws me away. Am I weakest after my closest encounter with God? What should not be, is possible if I take my eyes off God. But as the song goes, “the Father up above is looking down with love”. God is watching me, to grab hold of me, to convict me, to alter my course. Yes, He will remind me what my eyes focus upon, my heart hungers after, my ears hear, my mind dwells upon, my hands are busy doing, my mouth is sharing. He will never forsake me, nor leave me. He will keep bringing me back to His arms of steadfast merciful love.
Lord, I know it is You who keeps me in this world. It’s You who keeps me from all harm. Lead me not into temptation, deliver me from evil. And keep me ever mindful that: “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4b May I disappear in You, O Lord, and be lost forever in your presence.