“Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see,
Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see.
For there’s a Father up above looking down in tender love,
Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see.”

It’s been said, and quoted often, that the “eyes are the windows to our minds and souls”.  I can attest to that thought for it the eyes I looked into of my students when I taught public school.  No matter their background, ethnicity, or current home situation; looking into their eyes told me the level of their understanding for what I was teaching.  If I saw a blank, questioning look, I knew another explanation using different words needed to be said.  If I saw dancing eyes, I knew they were thinking about playing as soon as I turned my eyes away from them! 😊  If I saw a steady gaze, it meant they wanted to know more.  Sad eyes told me volumes about the readiness of their learning due to something happening beyond our school classroom.  But the eyes definitely were important “tools” for the teacher who want students to really learn.

As teachers, we also know students will not “get it” or understand fully the first time; so the lesson is presented in a variety of ways so the concept is repeated, internalized, and becomes a part of their thinking.  How did we learn to teach this way?  By the Master Teacher Himself, Son of Man/Son of God, who came to our world of imperfect humanity to teach, heal, convict, save, correct, comfort, and compel his students to turn their eyes fully back to God for Jesus is not only the Teacher but the author and finisher of our faith.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the Light of His glory and grace.” 

Psalm 119, The Message

ה He

God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

But we need help, Jesus knows that, so God sent the third part of Himself to come live within us with power and truth as soon as we say, “Yes, I believe. Forgive me of my sins.  I surrender all to you.”  New life begins with redemption from Jesus Christ, our Savior.  He will continue to transform us as long as our eyes are fully focused with attention on the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, our Lord!

The Psalmist is asking for wisdom and help to keep his eyes focused on the ways of God with deliverance from all things of this world that distract our attention, shading our relationship with God who is the Light and Goodness.  Without the Light, we will not grow but soon wither and fade.  The Psalmist knows that and we do, too!

Therefore, may the psalmist prayer become our prayer; “Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.”  God promises to help us and He does!  I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes!

Lord,

We are so easily distracted, overwhelmed and over stimulated by all the trinkets and toys of our generation along with the very aggressive ads that demand we buy them no matter if it causes us bankruptcy in the near future.  What is worse, however, is the bankruptcy of our souls when we sell ourselves to get whatever is the newest on the market.  Oh Lord, help us to be wise with skills for living as better stewards of all you have provided, which will make us better stewards of our very souls given to you!  Save us from ourselves. Direct our eyes, ears, hands, and feet to you as we surrender to your will and leave our frivolous will behind.  I have decided to follow you, no turning back, no turning back…

In Jesus Name, Amen