Hebrews 12:1-3 1Therefore, 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. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Spirituality has to do with seeking connectedness with a sacred being, with a Higher Power, with God, and literally means to rebind or reconnect. There are different understandings of spirituality in our society, but they seem to share three common threads: awareness or a sense of awakening, the search for “something more,” and a connection to something greater than our own egos.
Jesus is the example of true spiritual living. He is the example of faithful living. In Him we see that spirituality is not an ethereal, other worldly experience, but is having a bond with God to deal with the battles of life here and now. In Him we see that spirituality is not a life of pure peace and calm, but also of the shame of the Cross for the sake of the joy set before Him.
Jesus is not only an example. He is the author and initiator. That means He is active in our life. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, and even as we lose sight, Jesus is at work to bring us along the path. When we wander from the path, when we drift from His good will for our life, He brings us back.
“To fix our eyes on Jesus” is to understand God as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. “To fix our eyes on Jesus” is not only a way of understanding but also a way of living. We pursue our way in life according to His direction and with His help.
When we begin to worry about money, when we fret about lack of time, when we get irritated, when we fail, the Author and Perfecter intervenes, makes us aware, brings us to our senses, and calls us back to His way of living in the world.
From a sermon preached by Henry Dobbs Pope October 13, 1996
© Rhonda Hinkle Mitchell Broyles
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