As young children many of us learned to sing, “Be careful little eyes what you see and be careful little ears what you hear.” Later in life I learned the true meaning of the warning: what we spend our time focusing on will shape not only how we think, but how we live. In Luke 8:18, Jesus instructs his disciples to be careful how they hear. In Mark 8:18 Jesus rebukes his disciples for not seeing, not hearing and not remembering. To behold is to perceive through sight or apprehension, to gaze upon or to observe.
When Paul encourages the believers in Ephesus that they will be able with all the saints to comprehend, or apprehend the vast dimension of God’s love, he is inviting them as well into a life-changing experience. As we read and ponder this invitation to personally know and encounter the matchlesslove of God, we will be changed and ultimately filled with all the fullness of God. The invitation is not only for the Ephesian church, but for us today.
The ageless principle is that what we behold, we become. This is demonstrated in a negative way by pernicious addiction to pornography. The images which are beheld may stay in the brain for long periods of time. Addictions begin and continue through this abysmal practice. If someone spends countless hours of time in front of a video screen projecting violence, thoughts, attitudes and even their behaviors may become violent.
However, the exact opposite is true. If we decide to behold the matchless, boundless love of God, we can be changed for all time. This change can surpass our knowledge. It is a change deep within us. God’s love is that powerful. Take it in. Worship songs are written to encourage this practice. “This is the air I breathe, Your Holy Presence, living in me. And I am desperate for you, I’m lost without You, Lord.”
If we daily spend time basking in the long, wide, high and deep love of God through worship, prayer and meditation, we will become who He wants us to become according to His Word. Jesus loves me, this I know.
What are you beholding?
Chip Whitman
Pastor of Care & Counseling