7 Ways To Keep Your Eyes Fixed On Jesus

Fixing our Eyes on Jesus

7 Ways to Live with Eternal Focus

Colossians 3:1

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

“For where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.”

Matthew 6:21

While we each have but one life to live, there are countless paths people take in the pursuit of significance and happiness. Some chase academic achievement, others long for recognition and status. Many seek financial security, meaningful relationships, exciting hobbies, travel, entertainment, or even the elusive goal of perfect health and peace of mind. As the years pass, God grants us a sacred gift—the ability to pause, look back, and reflect with wisdom. With time and perspective, we begin to see life differently. We recognize the valleys that forged resilience, the mountaintops that lifted our faith, and the detours—sometimes painful, often unexpected—where God gently wove His grace into our story. While we are grateful for the mercy of not receiving what we deserve, reflection reminds us that mercy is not a license to sin, nor a cue for hollow apologies. Instead, it is a loving invitation to repentance—a call to re-center our hearts on what truly matters.

Surely, through our own frailty and the passing of those we love, we begin to see the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits with clearer eyes. As James 4:14 reminds us, our lives are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. And in moments of trial, it's tempting to echo the preacher in Ecclesiastes: "Meaningless, meaningless! All is meaningless!"

Yet, even in the storm, there is an Anchor—a Rock who does not move.

There is One who gives meaning that death cannot steal, joy that suffering cannot silence, and security that goes beyond the grave. As born-again masterpieces of God’s grace, we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:14)—a divine guarantee of our inheritance and a seat at the Heavenly Banquet in the eternal presence of the Lord!

Today’s message is about fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith. As God’s children, we’re not called to chase the fleeting treasures of this world—things that sparkle for a moment but quickly fade—but to sit at the feet of the One who created us and sustains every breath. Apostle Paul urges us in Colossians 3:1: "Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." But how do we live this out—especially when we strive for holiness and constantly fall short? Thankfully, just as the deer pants for streams of water, so too can our souls be trained to thirst after Christ. Today, we’ll explore seven ways our souls can long for, obey, and find lasting joy and significance in the eyes of our Savior. So how do we live with eyes fixed on heaven, yet feet grounded in everyday life? Paul offers a clear answer: we must put on Christ. Let’s begin with the first way our souls can long for and reflect Christ: Dressing for the Kingdom

1. Dressing for the Kingdom

As sheep sent among wolves (Matthew 10:16), our heart’s desire is not to emulate the world in pursuit of fleeting pleasures or temporary friendships (James 4:4), but to shine as a light to the nations (Matthew 5:16)—thirsting for and reflecting the One who is blameless, righteous, and true. To be a powerful witness and draw nearer to the One who is our heart’s desire and portion, Apostle Paul calls us to clothe ourselves with the character of Christ. This means putting on compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience—not as a mask or performance, but as the overflow of a heart transformed by His grace.

Putting on Christ is not about occasional acts of kindness done to gain recognition or expect something in return. It’s about a continual posture of selfless love—placing the interests of others above our own, even when it costs us (Philippians 2:3-4). It means extending to others the same love, mercy, and forgiveness that we ourselves have received from Christ. This love does not discriminate; it reaches across boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and status. To be clothed in Christ is to bear with others in their weakness, endure insult without retaliation, and respond to hatred with kindness—not out of obligation, but in imitation of the One who “gave His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Putting on the clothing of Christ isn’t about outward appearance, but a reflection of a grace-filled, redeemed heart that knows it is loved and thirsts for the living God!

2. Exalting Christ as Lord

A soul that longs for its Creator is also one that identifies with Christ in both His resurrection and exaltation. The sin that once entangled and enslaved us was buried when Christ took up residence in our hearts. Now, having been set free, we are empowered to live good and holy lives. As Apostle Paul writes: