“What the eyes cannot see,” says an old Dutch proverb, “the heart cannot crave.” And the Italians seem to match it with one of their own: “If the eyes do not admire, the heart will not desire.”
But long before these old proverbs shaped people’s minds, David had his own proverb that addressed the same issue: “I will set before my eyes no vile thing.”
Our eyes are the gateway to our heads, hearts, and souls. It is what we see, day after day, that shapes our thoughts and values and ultimately our behavior. What we see we desire and what we desire is what drives us in one direction or another. Our vision triggers our thoughts and our thoughts our behavior. Here’s an example:
When Jericho was destroyed, no one was to take any of the spoils. But Achan disobeyed the order; he stole a beautiful garment, a bag of silver, and a bar of gold. This was unfortunate because disaster visited Israel because of his greed and thirty-six soldiers were left dead on the battlefield. Joshua was alarmed and decided to search the tents of his soldiers. He found the “accursed thing” in Achan’s tent.
In making his confession before being stoned to death and being buried in a criminal’s grave, Achan said, “I saw...I coveted...I took...and I hid.”
What a graphic description of the path to sin: First we look. Then we desire. Then we decide. Then we sin. Then we try to find an excuse. Then we lie. Then we try to hide our wrongdoing. But it’s too late. The consequences will come - to us and to others.
It all begins with a simple glance. Then the mind takes over, and the decision is made
Prayer: Help us, Lord, to keep our eyes upon You and our desires away from “things” that would defeat and destroy us. May we stay focused on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: I will set before my eyes no vile thing. Psalm 101:3
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