Straight Ahead!

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.    – Proverbs 4:25 

Lines are drawn on a track to keep runners in the correct starting position and, more importantly, after the race has begun, to keep their attention toward the finish line. They do not look from side to side or to the rear. Their focus is straight ahead.  

In the same way, when you live with eternity in mind, you look straight ahead, keeping your focus on God and salvation through Christ Jesus. If your eyes turn to the right or to the left, you will stray off the path. Think of Lot’s wife who could have been a monument to the mercy of God, but instead was a pillar of salt, remembered as one who turned to look back (Genesis 19:26; Luke 17:32). Eve had everything in the Garden that she ever could have wanted, but she looked to the forbidden fruit instead of keeping her eye on God’s command (Genesis 3:6). 

When horticulturalist and landscaper Hans Hugenberg was able to create his own garden, he chose as the central point a ten-foot statute of Jesus at the moment of ascension – Christ’s feet on tiptoe, his hands lifted upward in blessing, and His eyes gazing downward lovingly as if on His disciples. Every line, plant, path, and pond in that garden caused your gaze to focus on this monument. 

Let your life reflect this concept and keep the garden of your mind focused on Christ, with eyes straight ahead, mindful of His Word, His example, His love, and His sacrifice for you. This nation has strayed from the straight path. Pray that American citizens and governing officials begin to look to God again as their guide. He is the only One who can make their paths straight.