While listening to talk radio today, I was struck by a caller to the Glenn Beck Show. Beating around the bush, this man ctonfessed to an addiction to pornography. During this struggle, one thought kept reverberating, “that which you gaze upon, you will become.”
One of Jesus’ 12 disciples recognized a similar pattern near the end of the first century, 1 John 2:15-17. Inside of each human being, a hunger exists, searching for objects of desire. Lusts, longings and pride can shift your focus from where it should be to behind the devil’s door, Ephesians 4:26-27. In other words, be careful what you wish for.
One of Jesus’ best words of wisdom in his Sermon on the Mount can be found in Matthew 6:19-24. The Lord knew before creation that which individuals gaze upon, they will become. The cure to prevent addictions is to begin to store up treasures on earth. The apostle Paul added to this in Colossians 3:1-4, urging readers to meditate on the Lord day and night. If bad habits have you staring in the wrong direction, fix your eyes on the author and perfecter of life, Hebrews 12:1-3.
by Jay Mankus
