The eyes are very critical to the way you view life. What you permit your eyes to see will determine your attitude and actions in life. So many times we are viewing things wrong because we are not looking in the right direction. I want to share a few simple hints for us to remember as we live life daily.

Do not gaze at people, they will usually disappoint you. No, I am not being cynical, but realistic. In this age of “high expectations,” we expect way too much from others. When you gaze and expect others to respond as you desire and they do not, then disappointment, criticism, and a judgmental attitude abounds.

Do not gaze at situations. They will usually discourage you. We always want situations and circumstances to be perfect. The problem is, they are not and never will be. Last Friday afternoon, I went to the LSU and Arkansas game, and the weather and circumstances were incredible. It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Arkansas. As I sit here and write this morning, I know I will be going to a High School State Semi-Final Game that will be played on Friday night. The weather will be cold and very frigid and snow may be on the ground today in this region. If players or coaches or fans gaze at the weather situation, it will discourage you and then becomes a possible influencer in a game. If they know it exists and keep their focus on the game, their chances of winning are greater. Great teams overcome it all. You do not play weather. You play teams.

Do not gaze at yourself or disappointment and discouragement may both set in. When you take yourself too seriously, you will usually be the hardest person to please, and even you cannot please yourself. You will be overwhelmed with the “should haves” and “should not haves” that will greatly paralyze you. Yes, we can be our own worst enemies. We usually imagine things from one extreme to the other – worse than they really are or better than they actually are!

Gaze on Jesus and only give quick glances at others, situations, and even yourself. Loving others and yourself is important and getting on top of situations is a part of life. However, all of these people and things change dramatically when you gaze at Jesus and only glance at the others.

Jesus was right: the eye is the lamp of the body. Be careful what you gaze at in life this weekend. One of the secrets to life may be: learning when to glance and when to gaze!