What Makes It Difficult to Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus?

Every family gathering may present challenges and opportunities that are unexpected. How we respond depends on our old baggage or the emotional trappings related to our identity and self-esteem. Baggage can be connected to guilt from which forgiveness has not been received.

Hebrews 12:1 tells us to throw off everything that burdens us down, including sin that clings so closely, and then run with perseverance the race God sets before us. How can this be done? “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus means staying focused on Jesus to prevent discouragement from overtaking you. Philippians 3:14 reminds us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead to win the prize for which God has called us.” May God turn his face toward you and cause his light to create a clear path for you. 

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My eyes are ever looking to the Lord for help, for he alone can rescue me.

~Psalm 25:15 The Living Bible

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How Do God's Wisdom and Discernment Ease Strife?

What promotes joyful, happy family reunions is the absence of conflict and tension. Of course some stress and pressure are expected, but not disruptive arguments. Disagreement is possible, for everyone cannot always be on the same emotional page, but maturity will ease difficult moments.

God gives wisdom and discernment to those who seek it, who promote peace and harmony to avoid stress and contentiousness. How is this accomplished? Seek and promote compatibility and agreement rather than differences. Remember, some families cannot discuss issues like politics and religion, so these subjects should be avoided.

Proverbs 16:24 reminds us again that “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the taste and good for your health.” Words spoken with kindness encourage compatibility and maturity to dominate gatherings. This is the focus of joyful family get-togethers. Always think before you speak. 

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[Jesus said,] “Every one, then, who hears the words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.” 

~Matthew 7:24 Revised Standard Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.