Most of us don’t have to work at seeing. Sure, there are times when we squint at something far away or some message with particularly small print, but for the most part, seeing is just something we do. It’s like breathing, or thinking, or even walking – these are things that just kind of happen without our conscious knowledge or effort.

But looking is different than seeing. While we don’t pay much attention to the mechanics of seeing, we do have to pay attention when it comes to looking. When we are driving, for example, we must pay attention to have our eyes on the road. We must check out blind spot when we are changing lanes, and we must glance at our mirrors from time to time to make sure we are aware of our surroundings. These are much more intentional eye movements; these are things we must exercise control of. 

Where we look matters. It matters a lot.

And it matters in multiple arenas, not the least of which is spiritual, because where we look actually has a determining quality to it. Here’s how Jesus put it:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23).

These two verses are sandwiched between two other sets of verses, both of which are well known. Just before this, Jesus speaks about the fact that we should not store up treasures on earth but instead store up treasures in heaven (vv. 19-21). And just after this, Jesus reminds us that it is impossible for us to have two masters. We can only choose one – either God or money (v. 24). In between, we find this kind of strange reference to the eyes, looking, and seeing.

Strange, yes – but also very important. 

Because according to Jesus, what we do with our eyes determines the light or darkness of our entire selves. 

The eyes are like a lamp. Just as a lamp either provides light or, if it’s extinguished, removes it, so also do the eyes either illuminate or darken. Our eyes provide an entry point for our hearts, minds, and souls. And what we look at – what we focus on – will inevitably effect our entire being.

Think of it like this – let’s say that you choose to limit your sugar intake over the next month. You know it’s going to be difficult – even painful – because you always take sugar in your coffee, drink a soft drink in the afternoon, and eat dessert every night. Knowing the difficulty you will face, you physically remove all the sugar from your home. Every packet, every package, every candy bar and cookie – all gone. You do this because you know if you see them, you might be able to hold out for a little while, but eventually you will give in.

Because out of sight, out of mind.

But the opposite is also true – in sight, in mind. Or even more importantly – in soul. According to Jesus, what we choose to look at is so serious because what we choose to focus on will eventually fill our whole being. 

We will become what we behold. Whether good or bad.

Friends, you might be feeling or worrying about or pushing through any number of things today. And to some extent, you can’t control any of those thoughts or feelings or anxieties. But you can control where you’re looking. And where you’re looking is going to eventually determine what you’re becoming. So let us make sure our eyes are fixed rightly:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

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This post originally appeared at thinke.org.