June 4

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Heb 12:2 BSB

We must constantly look to Jesus. The German Bible says it well: "an off-looking unto Jesus"—meaning looking away from evil and refusing to let our minds dwell on it for even a second. We should have spiritual "eyelashes" just like we have physical ones, which act like shields to keep harmful things out. Just as a stockade camp repels the first assault of the enemy, so too should our spiritual defenses guard us. Many people don’t realize they have spiritual eyes, going through life as if someone cut off their eyelashes, staring at both good and evil alike. The devil presents evil things to look at, and we cannot look upon them without being defiled. Even walking down the street, the sight of certain images can stain our souls, and we may feel the need for cleansing through Jesus’ blood for hours afterward. While there may be no willful sin, the very sight of it defiles us. Our only defense is a determined, steady inner gaze upon Christ.