Some Christians do not realize how important our bodies are to God.  After we die, at the appointed time of God, we will all experience a bodily resurrection.  Our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like our Lord’s glorious body (Philippians 3:21).  Speaking of the resurrection, Paul said that our bodies will be sown in dishonor and weakness and raised in glory and power (1 Corinthians 15:43).  Notice that the thing that is sown, that is, our physical bodies, is the same thing that will be raised.  However, our bodies will be changed from natural, corruptible bodies to incorruptible spiritual bodies (1 Corinthians 15:44).  All of this explains why our bodies are so important, and why we should be careful of how we use them (Romans 6:12-13; 1 Corinthians 6:13-14).  We need to give our bodies to God.  

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Last night we thought of the importance of giving our hands to God.  Tonight, let’s think about our eyes.

Television is not the only danger to our eyes today.  People dressing immodestly is also very dangerous.  It seems like every year people try to wear less and show more.  Dressing half-naked has become so common today that most have lost the ability to be embarrassed (Jeremiah 6:15).

We cannot help seeing people dressed inappropriately; however, when we see someone dressed immodestly, we do not have to gaze at them.  This is what got David in trouble with Bathsheba.  When he saw her bathing on the rooftop, instead of turning away, he gazed upon her until lust got the best of him (2 Samuel 11:1-5).  He should have given his eyes to God by looking away.

Our eyes are key members of our bodies.  Someone has said that our eyes are a gateway to our minds.  This is certainly true.  What we look upon regularly is going to shape the way we think and have a major impact on our spirituality.  So, how can we give our eyes to God?  It begins by determining not to look at things that are sinful and unholy (1 John 2:16; 2 Peter 2:13, 14; Matthew 5:28, 29).  The truth is this is basic Christianity.  To do otherwise is to follow the path of the world.  John said, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:16).

Being a Christian is about doing God’s will, not doing what we want to do.  The flesh, which is a part of all of us, wants us to give in to the desires of the eyes.  The flesh says, “Go ahead and look at whatever you want.  After all, there is nothing wrong with just looking.”  This is why we must crucify the flesh (Galatians 5:24).  In fact, Paul said that those who belong to Christ have already been crucified.

As I said a moment ago, our eyes are a gateway to our minds.  Whatever we allow ourselves to look upon regularly is going to be what we think about the most.  Let us protect our minds by being careful what we look upon so we can think appropriately.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.