Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Additional Reading: Philippians 2:3–8; Hebrews 12:1–2
Everything begins with Jesus.
The church does not find unity by pretending differences do not exist. We do not find unity by compromising biblical truth. We find unity by placing Jesus Christ at the center.
Paul brought the Corinthians back to the heart of Christianity:
Christ died.
Christ was buried.
Christ rose again.
That is the Gospel.
The Gospel does not need our additions. It does not need our personal agendas attached to it. It does not need our traditions elevated to the same level as Scripture.
We need Jesus.
Something happens when believers take their eyes off Christ and begin focusing on themselves.
Suddenly we begin noticing:
“My preference.”
“My opinion.”
“My ministry.”
“My feelings.”
“My recognition.”
“My way.”
Division is often born when Jesus becomes smaller and self becomes larger.
Think about how much conflict would disappear if everyone in the church were completely focused on Jesus.
When we are focused on Christ, there is less room for gossip.
Less room for jealousy.
Less room for selfish ambition.
Less room for bitterness.
Less room for keeping score.
Instead, the character of Christ begins to emerge.
We become more loving.
More forgiving.
More patient.
More gentle.
More humble.
The closer we get to Jesus, the less important many of the things we argue about become.
Imagine a group of people standing in a large circle. If everyone begins walking toward the center, something naturally happens: they also move closer to one another.
Jesus is the center.
The closer we get to Christ, the closer we should get to each other.
This does not eliminate truth. Jesus is truth.
It does not eliminate convictions. Christ shapes our convictions.
It does not require compromise. It requires surrender.
But often the surrender God wants is not surrender of biblical truth.
It is surrender of our pride.
Today, examine what occupies the center of your spiritual life.
Is it really Jesus?
Or has something else gradually taken His place?
Revival begins when Jesus again becomes our first love, our highest priority, and our common purpose.
Reflection Questions
Is Jesus Christ truly the central focus of my daily life?
What personal preference or opinion has become too important to me?
How do I normally respond when I do not get my way?
Would someone observing my life conclude that Jesus is my greatest love?
What would change in my relationships if I intentionally kept my eyes on Christ this week?
Prayer
Jesus, bring my attention back to You. Forgive me for allowing my preferences, opinions, and feelings to become too important. Help me love what You love, pursue what You desire, and become more like You. Make You the center of my life and the center of Your church. Amen.