Looking to Jesus

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2

Leslie Dunkin told about a dog he had when he was a boy. His father would occasionally test the dog’s obedience. He would place a tempting piece of meat on the floor and give the command, "No!" The dog, who must have had a strong urge to go for the meat, was placed in a most difficult situation – to obey or disobey his master’s command.

Dunkin said, "The dog never looked at the meat. He seemed to feel that if he did, the temptation to disobey would be too great. So he looked steadily at my father’s face." Dunkin then made this spiritual application: "There is a lesson for us all. Always look up to the Master’s face."

Yes, that’s good advice. God, of course, will not tempt us to do wrong (JAMES 1:13). We do encounter many temptations, though, and if we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus we will be able to overcome them. When confronted by enticements that could easily overwhelm us, we need to look to Christ and follow His direction. "Seeing" Him and "hearing" Him as He is revealed in the Scriptures will give us the discernment to know what’s right, and the desire and strength to obey Him.

Are you battling temptation? Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus. He will give you victory – Richard W. De Haan

The only way to overcome

Temptations that we face

Is just to focus on the Lord,

Who strengthens by His grace. – Sper

READ: JOHN 14:15-24

To master temptation, keep your eyes on the Master.